Winter in Oklahoma means very cold and sometimes ‘freezing’ temperatures along with strong winds and the potential for frozen pipes. Frozen water inside of a pipe adds pressure and weight, that can eventually crack or burst the pipe.
A burst pipe can have a serious and costly affect on your home or business. However, there are things you can do to be prepared for these freezing conditions. And if you do experience a burst pipe, there are steps to take to limit the damage and expedite the clean up process.
Trilink Restoration specializes in prompt water extraction and aggressive drying of structures (commercial and residential).
Being Prepared
Any areas of your home or business where pipes are present should be well heated during the winter, or at the very least well insulated. It’s optimal to keep the temperature well above freezing, not even letting it get below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the area is not able to be heated, making sure the area is well insulated is the next best thing to help decrease the chance of a freeze.
When you know temperatures are going to dip below freezing, leaving your faucets dripping can also help prevent pipes from freezing.
But What If A Pipe Has Already Burst…What Do I Do Now?
Know where your main water shutoff valve is. This is one of the most important things to be aware of to quickly stop the extent of damage being. Shutting the water off can prevent additional areas of damage from adding to the immediate problem. Do this assuming it is safe to do so. Be aware of any electrical devices or open circuits that could cause electrocution. And if in doubt, always wait for a professional to handle the shutoff.
Call a restoration professional to stabilize the situation. They will be able to take you thru the clean up process and provide you with more information on next steps to take. But while you’re waiting on them to arrive, take pictures of the damage to help document as these will be helpful in the insurance claims process.
