Water expands as it freezes and the resulting ice will fill any vacant
space within a pipe. In addition to blocking the flow of water, the pressure
of the expanding ice can be enough to burst even a metal pipe. You may
not know about the burst pipe until the temperature rises above the freezing
point. When the ice melts, the blockage is removed and the water will
begin to flow again. This can result in flooding along with severe water
damage to your home and belongings. It is important that you take steps
to minimize the damage.Insulate exposed pipes and seal any air gaps in
walls, crawl spaces and basements. Disconnect garden hoses and drain outdoor
faucets and sprinkler systems. Open bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors
to allow warm air to circulate around water supply lines. Leave taps open
to drip slowly when prolonged freezing temperatures are in the forecast.
Keep the heat on if you will be away.
If a pipe bursts, it is an emergency situation. Turn off the water. The
shut off valve can be located in the garage or utility closet. If you
cannot find it, look for the water meter. It is typically inside a box
buried in the front yard. Use a large wrench to turn the valve attached
to the meter. This will stop the flow of water. It also means that you
are without water.
As a result, your next step should be to give us a call at Sunshine Plumbing
Heating Air. Our trained personnel can find the source of the leak and
repair the broken pipe so that the lives of you and your family can return
to normal as quickly as possible.
