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Frozen pipes are a concern for every homeowner during the cold winter months. In older homes and mobile dwellings especially, pipes inside structural walls and under cabinets are often exposed to frigid outdoor temperatures This makes them vulnerable to freezing once winter arrives. These fixtures could crack and leak in the frigid conditions, or water could freeze in the channels and cause drain clogs. Luckily, the water damage restoration specialists at Blue Ridge Property Restore in Martinsburg, WV, know a few effective ways to prevent these costly headaches.

Below, Berkeley County's water damage restoration experts share four preventative maintenance tips to protect pipes from winter frost.

Open Cabinet Doors

water-damage-restorationOften, water supply lines are installed inside or behind kitchen and bathroom cabinets. To allow hot air from heating equipment to circulate in the confined spaces, keep your cabinet doors open. When doing so, remove cleaning supplies and anything else that should stay out of reach of children and pets. 

Keep Water Running

To conserve water, people often double check that faucet handles are secured tightly after each use. During winter, however, dripping faucets can prevent exposed pipes from freezing. When water consistently travels through the channels, the activity keeps the frost away.

Leave the Heat on When Away

If you plan to travel out of town this winter, it’s common to turn off the heat to save energy and prevent high utility bills while no one is home. This isn’t actually a good idea, as pipes can freeze in the lower temperatures. Keep the heat on and thermostat set at no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit when away.

Install Insulation in Drafty Areas

To prevent the likelihood of pipes freezing each winter, install insulation in crawl spaces, attics, basements, and other drafty areas of the house. The material traps heat, which will keep pipes warm in cold weather. 

When pipes freeze, they could rupture, turning your property into an unwanted swimming pool. If you need water damage restoration, trust the team at Blue Ridge Property Restore to do everything possible to dry materials and return your space to its condition before the disaster. You can also count on them to provide fire damage restoration and mold remediation when needed. To schedule a service appointment, call (304) 262-8100 to speak with a representative. Visit the company online to discover how they will repair the water damage from frozen pipes, and like them on Facebook for company news and announcements.

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