Winter Water Worries

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

  Many people own their second home in Sussex County, DE.  When the weather begins to turn cooler; most will leave and return in the late spring or early summer.  During this time is when most cold weather water issues occur.

  Frozen pipes—resulting in broken pipes—is the greatest cause of water damage in winter, on average costing $18,000 per homeowner claim, and leading to significant waste of water. Frozen ground increases the downward force on pipes from the outside.  The following are tips to help you avoid winter water worries.

How do I drain my home's water pipes for winter?

1. Shut off themain water ...
2. Drain pipesof water. ...
3. Force the water ...
4. Drain ...
5. Extra Protection: Pour anti-freeze into all sink and bathtub drains. ...
6. When you are ready to use the wateragain, turn on the main water valve and let each fixture run until the pipes are full.

What do you do when water freezes in your house?

How to fix frozen pipes:

1. Keep your faucet open. ...
2. Apply heat to the section of the pipe that is frozen. ...
3. Know what not to do. ...
4. Continue applying heat until waterflow returns to normal. ...
5. Takeswift action if the frozen pipes are located inside an exterior wall.

What should you do to winterize your home?

1. Adjust your thermostat. ...
2. Shutoff the water at the main shut off valve in your house. ...
3. Turn offyour gas line to prevent a gas leak or other gas related incident.
4. Bundle the houseup tight! ...
5. Unplug everything. ...
6. Tell your neighbors. ...
7. Stop the mail. ...
8. Check your sump pump.

SERVPRO of Sussex County is standing by 24/7/365 to assist with any residential or commercial water damage – call us today at 302-856-9768!