Winter Is Here, And So Are Your Frozen Pipes!

  

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Everyone in New York knows that the winter season in the Northeast can be treacherous and cause major damage to property structures.  Whether you are a homeowner or business professional, it is important to become educated on preventing frozen pipes.

Why Do Pipes Freeze?

Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the "strength" of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Also, pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Before the onset of cold weather, prevent freezing of water supply lines and pipes by following these recommendations:

• Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
• Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
• Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located and are in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated. A hot water supply line can freeze just as a cold water supply line can freeze if the water is not running through the pipe and the water temperature in the pipe is cold.
• Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Many products are available at your local building supplies retailer. Pipes should be carefully wrapped, with ends butted tightly and joints wrapped with tape. Follow manufacturer's recommendations for installing and using these products.

Before the onset of cold weather, prevent freezing of water supply lines and pipes by following these recommendations:

If you have an issue related to frozen pipes, contact us immediately to alleviate the potential of further property damage to your home or business.

Advanced Restoration Corporation is a Property Damage / Disaster Recovery Restoration Company in New York. Company Services Include: FIRE and SMOKE RESTORATION; MOLD REMEDIATION; WATER MITIGATION; STORM DAMAGE RESTORATION; FLOODS; PUFFBACKS; FROZEN PIPES; Complete Restoration & Reconstruction Services. Home Rehab FHA 203k Loan Contractor. Residential,Commercial & Industrial structures in Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY; and the New York Metro Area. Contact Us!