Ways to prevent a burst pipe

1/23/2019 (Permalink)

Ways to prevent a burst pipe

New York winters can be very cold, and that can present a risk to your pipes. When pipes freeze, they can burst, which can cause a real headache in your NYC home or building. Here are some ways you can help to prevent your pipes from bursting when the temperature gets below freezing. 

Insulate them 
Pipes can sometimes be in places without great insulation, such as a garage or crawlspace. To help keep your pipes from freezing and bursting, you may need to add insulation to these areas. This can be in the form of actual insulation, or you may be able to use blankets or towels to keep your pipes warm. 

Keep the heat on 
If your home or building is vacant for a time, do not shut off the heat. Keep it on and at a lower level to help ensure it stays warm enough inside so that your pipes won't freeze. 

Let faucets drip 
Keeping your faucets open to allow a drip helps to keep water flowing through your pipes, which relieves pressure and helps to prevent them from bursting. 

Disconnect hoses 
You should undo any hoses you have hooked up outdoors. Hoses can have water left in the hose bib when they are turned off, and this can freeze, then expand and crack the pipe. Disconnecting them prevents this from happening. 

If you do experience a burst pipe, the experts at SERVPRO can help with clean up and restoration of your property.