Tips to Keep Your Pipes from Freezing and Bursting This Winter

As the temperature drops, many of us would bundle up inside our homes and drink warm beverages to keep warm. But you’re not the only one who’s feeling the cold. Your pipes also need protection from the winter weather. If not, they can freeze and explode if not; thus, resulting to water damage.

Being informed and prepared may help you avoid the mess, expenses and damages that come with it. Here’s what you need to know to keep your pipes from freezing and bursting this winter.

Drain your pipes

It is important to drain your pipes if you’re going on a vacation, even for just a couple of days. Pipes burst when you least expect it, and you don’t want that to happen while you’re gone. Consider turning off the main shut-off valve before you leave. Then, turn on the tap and allow the water to run until the pipes are emptied.

Open cabinet doors

Leave the cabinet doors open in the bathroom and kitchen. This allows heated air to circulate around the pipes. Place an electric heater in front of the cabinet for added protection.

Wrap the pipes

Plumbing pipes that are located in unheated areas are at risk of freezing. Consider wrapping or insulating your pipes in the garage, attic, crawlspaces and those that are located against exterior walls. Bubble wrap, plastic foam, trash bags, newspapers or even rags can provide protection. While this step alone doesn’t prevent freezing, it helps slow down the freezing process.

Turn on the faucets

Let indoor faucets drip at night, when the temperature is coldest. This helps keep the water moving through the pipes and keeps it from freezing. You don’t need to waste gallons and gallons of water to do that. Even a trickle of water can help prevent frozen pipes.

 

Tips to Prevent Post-Flooding Mold at Home

Homeowners who experienced flood or water seeping into their home should be concerned about mold. Mold can set in fairly fast, sometimes in as little as 24 hours. The longer mold is allowed to grow, the greater the risks.

Mold can cause damage to your property and lead to health problems. It is also an extremely potent allergen. Protect your home and your family’s health by taking steps to prevent mold from growing in your home. Following are some tips.

Remove water as quickly as possible

The sooner you can dry out your home after a flood, the better. You need to act as quickly as possible since mold can start to grow just a day or two.

It is best to use a HEPA vacuum or a wet/dry vacuum. These are the best tools for removing water.  But if you don’t have access to these types of machines, a mop and a bucket will do. Try to remove as much floodwater from your home as possible.

Hire a professional

If the damage is extensive, the best thing you can do is to contact a water remediation company to perform clean up to make sure that the house is dried out as soon as possible. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your home will be completely safe to live in.

Remove contents damaged by flood water

It may be difficult to throw away your possessions, but it’s necessary. Dispose off items that were damaged by flooded water. Moldy items should be placed in a plastic bag to minimize the spread of spores.

Wall-to-wall carpeting can be very slow to dry. Carpeting and padding should be removed and disposed off immediately.

Keep the area clean

Floor, walls and other household surfaces that were touched by flood water should be sanitized. Clean the area with soapy water and then with a disinfectant. It is also a good idea to fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process.

Dead mold spores can still cause health problems. That’s why you should remove the mold, not just kill it.

Protect Your House From Winter Water Damage

The winter months bring wet, dreary weather. As we all know, ice, snow and wind can be hard on your home. Although winter cold does not arrive until mid to late November, it’s time to start thinking about protecting your home from water damage during the winter months.

Careful preparation can help save you from potentially costly damage. Here are some steps you should take to protect your home from potential damage winter can cause.

Insulate pipes

Frozen pipes are one of the leading causes of winter water damage. Pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and attics are among those likely to freeze. Protect exposed pipes using insulation tape or pipe sleeves to guard them from freezing temperature.

Keep gutters clean

An overflowing gutter can cause a lot of damage. That said, it is important to clean your gutters before the snow starts to fall. Remove leaves, dirt and other debris to ensure water is flowing unobstructed through the drain system.

Turn off water supply lines

Water supply lines are common points of weakness in your home’s plumbing system. If you’re among those who deal with winter fatigue by going on vacations, you might want to turn off the water supply line. You should know ahead of time where the main shut off valve is.

Drain water

Water expands with incredible force when it freezes, which can lead to pipes bursting. Frozen and burst pipes can leak up to 250 gallons of water a day. Think how much damage it can do your home.

A huge percentage of insurance claims come from external hoses that use the internal pipe supply. Drain swimming pool lines, Jacuzzis and sprinkler systems. Be sure to take all hoses indoors after draining.

Ask a friend to keep an eye on your home

Nobody wants to come home to a flooded house. If you are going on a month-long vacation, ask a friend or a neighbor to check on your home from time to time to ensure that your home doesn’t sustain water damage while you’re away.

Protect Your House From Winter Water Damage

The winter months bring wet, dreary weather. As we all know, ice, snow and wind can be hard on your home. Although winter cold does not arrive until mid to late November, it’s time to start thinking about protecting your home from water damage during the winter months.

Careful preparation can help save you from potentially costly damage. Here are some steps you should take to protect your home from potential damage winter can cause.

Insulate pipes

Frozen pipes are one of the leading causes of winter water damage. Pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and attics are among those likely to freeze. Protect exposed pipes using insulation tape or pipe sleeves to guard them from freezing temperature.

Keep gutters clean

An overflowing gutter can cause a lot of damage. That said, it is important to clean your gutters before the snow starts to fall. Remove leaves, dirt and other debris to ensure water is flowing unobstructed through the drain system.

Turn off water supply lines

Water supply lines are common points of weakness in your home’s plumbing system. If you’re among those who deal with winter fatigue by going on vacations, you might want to turn off the water supply line. You should know ahead of time where the main shut off valve is.

Drain water

Water expands with incredible force when it freezes, which can lead to pipes bursting. Frozen and burst pipes can leak up to 250 gallons of water a day. Think how much damage it can do your home.

A huge percentage of insurance claims come from external hoses that use the internal pipe supply. Drain swimming pool lines, Jacuzzis and sprinkler systems. Be sure to take all hoses indoors after draining.

Ask a friend to keep an eye on your home

Nobody wants to come home to a flooded house. If you are going on a month-long vacation, ask a friend or a neighbour to check on your home from time to time to ensure that your home doesn’t sustain water damage while you’re away.

 

How to Prevent Water Damage While On Vacation

For many of us, the desire to travel peaks when summer rolls around. In fact, recent poll reveals that about 55% of Americans will go on vacation for a few days to a week this summer.

Now that your bags are packed and it’s finally time to go, the last thing you want to worry about is potential flood and water damage to your home while you’re on vacation. You come home from a nice vacation only to find that your house has been flooded due to leaking pipes or broken supply line.

Don’t let water damage ruin all that rest and relaxation. Prepare and safeguard your home before taking off.

Make sure your sump pump is in good working order

Examine your sump pump and check that it is in good condition to ensure its proper operation. Left unchecked, it can lead to thousands of dollars in flood damage.

You also have to keep in mind that sump pumps are powered by electricity. So be sure to install a battery-powered backup source to ensure that it won’t stop working in the event you lose power.

Shut off the main valve

The best protection against catastrophic water damage is to shut off the main water valve that controls the water entering your home. Once you’ve done that, try to turn off a faucet somewhere in the house. All the water should stop if you have turned off the main valve properly.

If you’re not sure where to find it, look for the water meter. It is usually located beside it.

Check your home for leaks

Get one last look at your property and check for any signs of leaks. Walk the perimeter and check the pipes under the sinks, making sure that nothing is leaking.

Even a small opening can drive water in your home. The seals around your windows must be in good condition. Replace shingles and recaulk seals if needed.

Preventing Water Damage In Your Home

As a homeowner, there are a lot of things to worry about, but keeping on top of potential water problems can help reduce damage to your home and property.

Water damage is the number 1 culprit that weakens your home’s foundation. It can lead to big headaches and big expenses. Preventing water damage is a lot cheaper than paying for repairs.

In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on how to prevent water damage in your home.

Maintain your roof

Roofs are there to keep your home dry. If water is coming inside your home, the roof is the best place to start. Replace cracked, broken, curling or missing shingles.

Keep an eye on your water bill

With all those water pipes hidden behind the floors and walls, it can be difficult to determine the presence of a leak until water damage occurs. An unusually high water bill is a good indication that you may have a water leak somewhere in your home. So keep an eye on your water bill.

Check your sump pump

Sump pumps are not intended to last for more than 10 years. Be sure to test the sump pump before the start of each wet season or if you are planning to go on a long vacation. Try pouring water into the pit to trigger the pump to operate.

Keep your gutters clean

Clogged gutters can cause flooding and damage to your home’s foundation. They’ll start to overflow even during a light rainstorm. This can lead to water damage overtime.

To ensure smooth flow of water, be sure to remove dirt, twigs, leaves and other debris from your gutters. Your gutters may not be doing its job with all these things up there. Take a safe climb to your roof this weekend and make sure those gutters are clean.

 

Are You Making These Water Damage Clean-Up Mistakes?

Dealing with water damage can be a tough assignment for any homeowner. There is much more to water damage repair than just getting the water out and drying up all your belongings. Since most homeowners don’t have enough experience and the necessary equipment in dealing with this kind of situation, they end up spending more money in the long run.

In this blog post, we have outlined some of the most common mistakes committed by homeowners when beginning water damage clean up. If you choose to go the DIY route, be sure to avoid these mistakes.

Waiting too long before taking action

Timing is everything. This is the most important rule in water damage restoration. That said, you need to act fast or you’ll risk ruining most of your belongings and damaging whatever else it comes in contact with – flooring, walls, ceiling etc. Even the smallest water intrusion incident can lead to mold growth, especially if the water stays longer than 24 hours. Be sure to deal with the problem as soon as possible.

Not protecting themselves

Water damage can be extremely dangerous, even if it doesn’t look extensive. We understand that you’re eager to start with the clean-up process, but it is important to take precautions to limit your exposure to mold and other threats like structural collapse, leaking gas or electricity.

For safety’s sake, we recommend that you wear gloves, boots, face mask and eye protection. Remember that you’re working in a toxic environment. Beware of things like mold and other contaminants.

Not fixing the source of the problem

If you have leaking pipes, it is important that you deal with the problem first before you start salvaging your carpet. Addressing the source of the problem simply means that you don’t have to deal with the same problem again.

Forgetting to unplug electronics

Electrical system repair work is one of the biggest expenses associated with water damage clean-up. If you fail to unplug systems such as space heater or televisions after a water intrusion incident, expect to receive a large repair bill later on.

 

How Water Can Damage Your Home’s Foundation

The foundation of a house is extremely important. It is the core strength of your home. But no matter how incredibly strong it may seem, it is actually susceptible to the damaging effects of water.

Aside from its life sustaining role, water is also one of the most destructive forces known to man. In fact, water damage is the number one cause of weakened home foundations. Once water pools near the foundation, a few major issues may arise along with a number of smaller problems. Eventually, it may cause cracks and leaks.

Water can damage a home’s foundation in several ways. Let’s take a look at how water can damage your home’s foundation.

Water-saturated soil around the house

When water hits the ground, it soaks into the earth. The saturated soil expands significantly, absorbing and holding water just like a common household sponge. Expansion from water produces positive pressure against the foundation, causing it to crack.

Basement windows

Basement windows are very important since they could let a lot of water in, especially during heavy rain. Be sure to check the condition of the seals around the window and look for cracks around the window well.

Clogged gutters

Gutters are basically long channels that sit along the lower edge of your roof. They collect rainwater from your roof and direct it to the downspouts. During heavy rain, they can collect up to 10,000 liters of water. That’s almost half of the volume of a 15-feet swimming pool. Keep your gutters clean to make sure that they are operating at peak efficiency.

Ground slope

When the ground slopes toward the house, water from rain or melting snow is more likely to fill the drain and collect near the foundation. This may not seem like a big deal, until you realize that rainwater is flowing towards the house instead of towards the street. It is important to take immediate action to keep water from seeping into the ground quickly.

 

Signs of Basement Water Damage

Although water damage can exist anywhere inside a home, the basements of many houses are at risk of water damage. This is because they are the lowest points of the house. Water in your basement poses health and electrical hazards. Aside from that, it could also damage the floor, walls, cause permanent structural damage and toxic mold to grow.

Below are some of the signs you should look out for when inspecting your house for water damage.

Wet walls

Wet walls in your basement could be an indication that moisture is starting to seep in from the surrounding soil or the pipes in the walls are leaking. An area of the wall that has been exposed to water can have a swollen appearance and soft to touch.

Musty smell

Sometimes, water damage could be hiding behind the walls or above the ceiling. Even if you can’t see it, your nose will tell you that there’s mold lurking somewhere in your basement. Only professional mold remediation can totally eradicate this harmful fungus.

Rotting wood

Wooden beams, wooden furniture or anything made of wood, are especially susceptible to water damage. They will rot very quickly if they are near the source of leaks. If you notice any wooden item that is starting to rot, you might want to check for moisture problems.

Water stains

One of the telltale signs of basement water damage is water stains on the walls or ceiling. Watch out for water lines or stains on the basement wall or ceiling.

Painting the wall to mask the discoloration isn’t a good idea. You need to fix the source of the problem immediately. Otherwise, the problem will only get worse.

Rust

Rusting appliances and fuse boxes in the basement could be a clear sign of basement water damage. Why? Because moisture is key in the rusting process. Check for rusty marks around the base of appliances like water heaters, dryers, washers, furnaces etc.

Why You Should Hire a Water Damage Restoration Company

If you’ve recently had a severe water intrusion due to leaking pipes, flood or other causes, you might be thinking that you can handle it on your own. Keep in mind, though, that cleaning up water damage goes beyond wiping away the residue and letting everything dry. While we understand that you want to save money by not seeking the help of a professional, water damage can cause serious health problems if not cleaned properly.

The following are some of the advantages of hiring a water damage restoration company.

Safety

A lot of people fail to realize how dangerous standing water can be. It contains bacteria and pathogens, causing you to get sick just by touching it.

Hiring a water damage restoration company is a smart choice since these people know what needs to be done and how to do it safely. In addition to that, they have the necessary equipment and experience to get the job done.

Mold prevention

Hiring a professional is beneficial as you can be sure that the cleanup will be done properly. This gives you an assurance that you will not face any issues later on.

Mold growth is one of the biggest problems with water damage. Any dampness left in water restoration can create an environment that is susceptible to mold growth. Protect your home from the development of mold by hiring professionals.

Fast service

Clean up should be done immediately, preferably within the first 24 hours. Mind you, mold can start to grow within 48 hours. Your home can even be a breeding ground for bacteria, mildew and other contaminants if surfaces continue to stay wet longer.

In the event of water damage, it should be in your best interest to hire a professional company as soon as possible. Water damage problems can become very serious if left untreated.

Protect your belongings

Water from leaks, pipe bursts or floods can easily destroy your belongings, furnishings and even your home. While some of your things may be destroyed by water almost immediately, hiring a water damage restoration company increases your chance of saving more of your belongings.