Winter is coming

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

With snow flurries in the forecast, it’s time to start thinking about preparing our homes for those cold snowy winter months. This past winter we experienced some of the coldest temperatures that we’ve seen in several years. Regardless of what Mother Nature decides to bring this year, there are some preventative measures we can take as homeowners and business owners to prevent our pipes from bursting.

When a pipe freezes, a lot of pressure is created and can cause it to burst, which can lead to serious flooding, especially if no one is home to turn off the water. Your best bet is to keep your water supply pipes warm and above freezing. Here are a few ways that you can do that:

1. Keep your heat on-If you are leaving for    a long period of time, you should keep your  thermostat at 50 degrees or higher. 
2. If you have concerns that your pipes may freeze, open the faucet slightly and let it drip. This helps relieve pressure in the system.
3. Open interior doors-Often times pipes are in cabinets. Opening those cabinet doors can help allow the heat in your home to keep the pipes warm.
4. Make sure cracks and holes are sealed-If there are any gaps around holes where pipes run through walls or floors, make sure to seal those with caulk or spray foam insulation. Seal both the interior and exterior if possible. 
5. Add additional insulation-If you have pipes in areas that are not properly insulated, adding some extra insulation will go a long way. Basements and attics would be a good example of areas that may be in need of more insulation.

Worst case scenario, if you do experience a burst pipe in your home or business, call SERVPRO of West Milwaukee. We’ve handled dozens of calls just like this and we will get your home back to its preloss condition as soon as possible. You can trust us to take care of your home as if it were our own.