Time to Winterize Your Property, to Avoid Pipe Bursts & Other Water Issues

11/11/2022 (Permalink)

Got pipe burst or other water-related damages to your home or business? SERVPRO of Laurel is a phone call away. 301-323-8862

With Winter just weeks away, we are reminding our customers & friends to walk around your home and yard and take a few simple steps to winterize your property.

The below 30 temperatures can freeze exposed water pipes. In the event you have frozen pipes, take these steps to be safe and help prevent further damage:

• First, find your home’s main water supply and shut it off.

• Next, turn off your main electrical supply to reduce the risk of electrical shock and damage to circuits and electrical appliances.
• If the water comes from a hot water pipe, shut the main valve to your hot water heater as well.
• Call a plumber for help as soon as possible.
• Your safety is most important. Please do not attempt potentially dangerous repairs. Be aware of submerged electrical outlets, appliances or chemicals that may be inside standing water.

The AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) offers the following tips to winterize your pipes and doors & windows this winter:

• Make sure to drain outdoor water spigots and winterize water pipes. You can winterize water pipes by locating your hose bib shut-off valve, which may be in a basement or crawl space, and turning it off at the source. For extra protection, purchase a Styrofoam cover that attaches over the outdoor spigots to keep them from freezing.
• You may also want to shut off water to exterior faucets and drain sprinkler systems for extra protection against freezing pipes and water lines.
• Heat lost through windows and doors can account for up to 30 percent of home energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. To keep heat in the house, look for cracks or gaps in the exterior caulking, check seals around exterior door and add caulking or weather stripping as needed. While these do-it-yourself fixes can reduce heat loss, a professional energy assessment can provide additional insights into areas where you may be losing heat and recommend fixes. Call your utility company to ask about their services or get a recommendation for a pro.

Check out this article from the AARP website for more tips to winterize your home and save money:

www.aarp.org/money/budgeting-saving/info-10-2012/8-ways-to-save-money-this-winter.html

In the event you experience pipe bursts and other water-related damages to your home or business property, SERVPRO of Laurel & Greenbelt NE/Beltsville E is available 24/7 to respond to water damage emergencies. We are a water & fire cleanup and restoration company and can help. Call us at 301-323-8862.