Submitted by K-tech Cleaning and Restoration Services

Freezing and burst pipes may cost thousands of dollars in water damage recovery, as well as loss of business and revenue earnings. Follow these steps to prevent bursting pipes or to act quickly if it should occur in your home or business.

PREVENTATIVE TIPS

• Protect your property with proper insulation, caulking around openings, and applying weather stripping.
• Wrap insulation around your pipes to keep them from freezing.
• Close any vents that may let in cold air.
• Leave interior doors open to better circulate heat throughout your building.
• Let cold water trickle out of faucets in areas that are unheated or where pipes run out of an exterior wall. This should help relieve pressure in the pipe should it begin to freeze.
• Install water alarms in high-risk areas such as under sinks, near water heaters and refrigerators, behind toilets, or next to washing machines.

ACT QUICKLY IF PIPES BURST!

1. 1.  Shut off your water main immediately.
   2.  Drain the faucets, cold taps first, to reduce the chance of leftover water freezing in the pipes.
   3.  Shut off the water boiler and heating system, then release all the water from the hot taps. Turn the heat back on.
   4.  Start documenting any damage to the building and any contents.
   5.  Contact your insurance company and work with a reputable restoration company.

Find the tip sheet HERE!