FROZEN PIPES
We received some great tips from Heil & Kay our Insurance Company. Following these recommendations could save you a bunch of hassle and cash!
AVOID FROZEN PIPES:
– Disconnect all garden hoses and install covers on outside faucets.
– Keep inside temperatures at 68 degrees or higher.
– Open cabinet doors below sinks to allow heat to circulate.
– Identify the location of the main water valve and shutoff. And make sure everyone in the house knows where it is and how to shut off
– Wrap pipes on exterior walls and in crawl spaces with pipe insulation or heat tape.
– Allow faucets to drip slightly to minimize freezing.
DEALING WITH FROZEN PIPES: (Safety First)
Look for possible threats to life and safety. Avoid those areas until help arrives. If a faucet freezes, it is possible to thaw it using a hair dryer or by wrapping the pipe in towels that were soaked in HOT water. Start thawing the pipe nearest to the faucet. Know that when pipes freeze, it is also possible that there is a pipe break. You could have a water leak once the pipes thaw. Shut off the water (if possible).
IF A PIPE BURSTS
– Shut off the water (if possible).
– Place buckets under active leaks, move valuable and light furniture to a safe place.
– Report the loss to your insurance company or property manager.
– Do not use anything electronic that has gotten wet.
Call a remediation professional. What could look like a small amount of damage could be hiding a large amount of damage that cannot be seen. It can take specialized equipment to determine the amount of damage and where it could be hiding. Working with a professional restoration company that has the proper drying equipment is the best way to keep damages to a minimum. Leave it to the pros.
DON’T LET THIS WARM WEATHER FOOL YOU!
Are you loving this warm weather? We are too. But, beware the cold weather will be back in a heartbeat!
THE ATTIC EXPERTS
We are The Attic Experts – Insulation and Ventilation Contractors Serving Chicago and All Suburbs. Call us for a Free Attic Inspection Today. 630.941.3800