Tips to Prepare Your Canal Fulton, Ohio Home for Cold Weather

1/26/2023 (Permalink)

A pipe break caused severe water damage to the ceiling and walls in this bathroom.

In January 2022 we’ve already experienced bitter cold weather that caused many pipe breaks to homes and businesses in Canal Fulton, Ohio. This weather will continue for the next several months, so it’s important to prepare your home for the next winter storm. Pipes are mostly located in areas of the home that are located in unheated areas and next to the outside walls. A tiny crack in a pipe can cause flooding to your home releasing hundreds of gallons of water. Pipes located on the second floor can cause damage throughout each level of the home causing serious structural damage. If the water isn’t extracted or properly dried in a timely manner mold growth will happen. 

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

• Let water drip. A trickle of water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let water drip overnight when temperatures are cold, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.
• Keep garage doors closed. This reduces the amount of cold air that reaches any exposed piping in your garage.
• Open cabinet doors. This allows heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.
• Drain, remove, and store all outdoor hoses. If possible, use an indoor valve shut off and keep spigots open to drain water from pipes leading to outside.
• Adjust the thermostat. Keep the thermostat at the same temperature during the day and night, set the thermostat above 55 degrees. During extreme cold, this also helps reduce the strain on the furnace.
• Insulate pipes. Pipe insulation in your home’s crawl spaces and attic help reduce the chance of freezing. Remember, exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. The more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.
• Seal leaks. Locate and thoroughly seal leaks that allow cold air inside. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out.

If your pipes do freeze turn on your faucet. As the water runs through it will help melt the ice. If the water won’t melt the ice, you can warm them with an electric heating pad. Wrap it around the pipe starting outward and moving to the coldest section. You can also use towels soaked in hot water. Hair dryers should be used with caution and never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame. If your pipes do burst shut off the water supply immediately and call a plumber to get the pipe fixed. Once your pipe is fixed call SERVPRO of Northwest Stark County to cleanup and restore your home. Visit our website at www.SERVPROnorthweststarkcounty.com for more information or call 330-497-4600.