Broken Pipes and How to Respond

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

Of course, the best course of action is to prevent frozen and eventually broken pipes in the first place.

Broken pipes are a major concern in areas where temperatures drop and raise in Peoria, AZ. As water freezes in the pipes, it expands and puts a lot of pressure on those pipes, whether they are made of metal or plastic. Even very strong, metal pipes can succumb to the pressure of expanding frozen water. The resulting water damage can take place rapidly and when you least expect it.

Broken Pipes at Work

Take a look around your business. Are there exposed pipes, such as those attached to hose bibs or on water sprinkler lines? Look for pipes in the basement or in uninsulated cabinets. Pipes running along exterior walls could also lead to water damage if they are allowed to freeze.

What can you do if there are broken pipes and you're facing significant water cleanup?

• Stop the flow of water.
• Disconnect any power supply and remove electronics and business equipment.
• Contact your insurance company and a restoration professional.
• Pump out water and set up fans and dehumidifiers.
• Treat the entire area with a disinfectant to kill germs and prevent mold growth.
• Dispose of water-logged items.

Avoid Frozen Pipes

You can avoid some trouble by recognizing and thawing frozen pipes before they become broken pipes. If you turn a faucet on and you've only got a trickle, the water is probably frozen. Leave the faucet open and slowly apply heat to sections of the pipe. Continue running water through the faucet and warming the pipes until you have full water pressure.

Water Damage Prevention in Peoria, AZ.

Of course, the best course of action is to prevent frozen and eventually broken pipes in the first place. Do this by draining water from all sprinklers before temperatures drop, remove hoses from spigots, close inside valves, drain hose bibs, and add insulation to basements and external walls. Look around your business for other areas where insulation and pipe sleeves could prevent damage.  For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROpeoriawestglendale.com/.