Water expands when it freezes, so it’s common for unprotected pipes to burst in freezing weather due to the sudden increase of pressure. Every year, many homeowners have to arrange water damage restoration and plumbing repair in their homes and yards. To make recovery from burst pipes easier or avoid them altogether, here are a few steps you can take.

How to Avoid Needing Water Damage Restoration in Winter

Insulate

If you have exposed pipes outside your home or in unheated indoor areas like your attic or garage, wrap them in fiberglass or foam-and-foil insulation to keep the cold from freezing them. This only slows the cold from reaching the inside of the pipe and may not be enough if the temperature drops too low, but it’s a smart first step.

Heat

Keeping your basement and garage warm means any exposed pipes in those spaces are protected from freezing. To make this easier and less costly, you may need to contact an HVAC professional to add heating registers or install additional insulation along the exterior walls of these rooms.

Turn Off the Water

For exterior pipes that are not used during the winter, turn the water off at its source. Then open the spigots to relieve pressure and let as much water drain as possible. Drain and store your hoses until the weather warms up again. If you’ll be leaving for a winter vacation, turn off the water supply to your entire home. 

Get Professional Emergency Water Removal

If the worst happens and a pipe bursts, call a plumber right away to limit the extent of the damage. Once the pipe is sealed, don’t try to clean up the flooding yourself; instead, call a professional for emergency water removal and water damage restoration. They’ll provide the fastest and most thorough wall, upholstery, and carpet cleaning and drying so that you won’t have to worry about mildew, mold, staining, odors, or structural damage.

Even with proper precautions, burst pipes are sometimes inevitable. For expert water damage restoration in Lincoln, NE, choose All Care Restorations. For over 20 years, they’ve cleaned up homes after fires, floods, and other disasters. They respond rapidly and will thoroughly rid your home of mold, stains, and odors to restore your property to beautiful, livable condition. To schedule a visit, call (402) 421-3779 or send a message online.