Why Are Frozen Pipes Dangerous Near You?

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

If a frozen water pipe bursts and you experience water damage or flooding Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today (608) 497-3331.

When the temperatures drop in the Dane County, Madison, WI area, one major issue is frozen water pipes and their potential to bust.

Busted frozen water pipes unfortunately lead to flooding and water damage if not addressed immediately. Learn why frozen pipes are so dangerous, the types of pipes that are most vulnerable to freezing and the signs that a pipe is actually frozen.

Frozen pipes are a problem for a couple of reasons.

They can create an inconvenience but, more seriously, can cause major damage to your property.

• Lack of Running Water– The most obvious danger of a frozen pipe is the inability to access running water. This can interfere with your ability to do everyday tasks such as washing the dishes or taking a shower.
•  Potential to Burst- The second problem that can occur when a pipe freezes is that the pipe actually bursts. Once the actual water in the pipe freezes, pressure is created between the closed faucet and the blockage that can build up to a point that causes the pipe to explode and extensive water damage to your property can occur.

Pipes That Are Vulnerable to Freezing

There are some pipes that are more vulnerable to freezing than others:

• Exterior Walls- Water pipes that are located along the exterior walls of a home can be vulnerable to freezing. This is because they may not have the adequate amount of insulation protecting them from the exterior temperatures.
   
• Attics and Basements- Pipes that are located in attics or in basements may also have a greater tendency to freeze. These pipes may not receive the same amount of heat as the rest of the property. If these areas are not used as living space, they also may not be properly insulated.

Signs of Frozen Pipes

There are a few clues which can help you determine if you have frozen pipes at your property: 
 

• There Is Frost on the Pipe- For pipes that can actively be seen, such as those under sinks, you may be able to see frost that has accumulated on the exterior of the pipe. This can serve as a warning sign that the pipe is frozen before you ever try to turn on the faucet.
   
• No Water Is Coming Out of the Faucet- Another sign that you may have a frozen pipe on your hands is lack of running water. If you or a tenant turn on a kitchen or bathroom faucet and only a slight trickle of water or no water at all comes out, the water pipe leading to the faucet may be frozen.

• Strange Smells- A forth potential sign of a blocked pipe is an odd smell coming from a faucet or drain. If the pipe is partially or completely blocked, the only way the odor can escape is back up in the direction of your property.

If a Water Pipe is Frozen, Act Quickly!

Once you are aware that a pipe is frozen, you must act quickly to thaw the pipe. Depending on the location of the pipe and your level of expertise, you can attempt to thaw the pipe yourself or you can contact a licensed plumber to thaw the pipe for you. It is imperative to thaw the pipe as soon as possible, because it has the potential to burst and cause extensive damage to your property.

If a frozen water pipe bursts and you experience flooding, turn off your water shut-off valve to prevent further water damage. Contact a professional water restoration company, such as SERVPRO of Dane County West, to extract and mitigate the water loss and restore your property to it’s preloss damage.

If winter weather strikes your business or home with water or fire damage, let us help strike back! Equipped with the training, tools, and experience to quickly and efficiently mitigate water or fire damage and restore your home or business, SERVPRO of Dane County West will help make it "Like it never even happened.”

• 24-Hour Emergency Service.
• IICRC Certified Firm.
• A+ rating from the BBB (Better Business Bureau).
• Angie's List recommended with an A-rated reputation
• 5-Star Google and Facebook rankings.
• We work with your insurance to help manage the insurance process and paperwork for a stress-free claims process.
• General Contractor License #: 1317784

Have Water Damage, Storm Damage, Flood Damage, Fire Damage or Mold?
Call SERVPRO of Dane County West Today (608) 497-3331