The recent winter storm in Texas caused severe problems across the state. Not only did much of Texas go without power, but the freeze caused most Texans to suffer an interruption in drinking water.
Kenneth Tolson, U.S. president – Claims Solutions, Crawford & Company, says the recent storm could be more damaging than Hurricane Harvey, which caused $125 billion of damage in 2017. This is because not only is there a challenge with restoring power and cleaning the roads, but how the recent winter storm affected water pipes.
“We are already seeing more burst pipe claims and sprinkler system impacts flooding facilities,” Tolson said, “So that will lead to a whole different contingent of claims, not just like you’re seeing in homes.”
The reason the cold has such an impact on water pipes is that as the water inside freezes, it expands. This can produce about 2,000 psi of pressure on the pipes, which will likely expand and create enough pressure to fracture and release hundreds of gallons of water per hour.
Preventing Frozen Pipes:
Air circulation can play a big part in preventing the freeze from impacting water pipes. Before the storm, it is best to make sure to leave the heat on in your home and not let the temperature get below 60° F.
It is also best to open cabinet doors wherever sinks are located against outside walls, for example in the kitchen or bathroom. This will allow warmer air to circulate and be able to reach your plumbing more easily. Also, be sure that doors, such as any garage doors or other doors that lead to the outside, stay closed as much as possible. If cold air can leak in, it can cause the temperature inside the house to drop.
While it may seem wasteful, letting the water run, even just a trickle, can help.
When the weather drops down to below 20° F outside, letting water drip from a faucet can help. One big misconception is that the running water itself will somehow not freeze. The reality is flowing water allows the pressure to be relieved from the pipes. Make sure that the faucets that are furthest away from your water system, like maybe pipes on an upper floor are dripping.
Thawing a Frozen Pipe:
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, you might have a frozen pipe. Keep that faucet open though, as it will help you see if warming the pipe helps. One way to warm the pipe is to use a portable space heater, or even wrapping up the pipe with towels and old blankets. A gentle, and safe application of heat is best, as opposed to using a flamethrower here.
As the pipe thaws, and water runs, it will help to thaw the rest of the pipe.
If Your Pipes Do Burst, Loyear is Here to Help:
We understand time is critical for preventing further water damage when pipes burst. We also understand each situation is unique, therefore we tailor each water damage plan specifically to meet your needs in a professional and timely manner. We can even work with your insurance company to ensure a smooth transition for your home or business.
During the water damage restoration process, we keep you informed of the progress and timelines so you can know what to expect. If you have questions or concerns along the way, we are here to listen and help. Your complete satisfaction with our services is important to us.
Being prepared is always great, and hopefully your preparedness will never be tested. However, if the worst should happen - getting you back in business quickly and painlessly is what we do best. Read more about our Water Damage Restoration services by clicking
here or by visiting the “Water Damage” portion of our website. Contact Loyear Disaster Restoration Services, LLC today for the water damage cleanup in our offices in Plymouth and Duluth, MN.
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