Arctic cold air can cause pipes to break in your HEATED house!

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

Water in the pipes froze and the ice actually pushed the water valve off of the pipe!!

Below zero arctic air is hard on all of us. Add strong winds and it can really cause problems in your house. Even if your thermometer is set at 68 degrees, temperatures within your ceilings, walls and in vanities and cabinets may drop to temps near freezing. 

When outside conditions drop to below freezing and getting close to zero and the wind is really blowing, you need to pay particular attention to the spots where you have access to pipes. First, check the temperature in cabinets and vanities where water pipes are visible. If the temps in these spaces are close to freezing, leave the doors open to allow warmer temps in to keep the pipes warm. Consider using a small fan to blow warm air into that space. if you are concerned about pipes in your walls or ceilings breaking, you might want to let the water in your faucets to drip slightly. This will allow the water to stay moving and help prevent pipes from freezing. 

SERVPRO of Elgin/Northwest Kane County is here to help during the cold season, with helpful tips to keep your homes safe, and also to clean up if damage does occur!!