For most of the year, Florida residents enjoy beautiful weather. But occasionally, temperatures can drop to near or below freezing, setting up the perfect scenario for frozen or burst pipes. Water can freeze at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, although it would take several hours. If you know temperatures are going to drop that low, you shouldn’t wait to act. There are several things you can do to avoid frozen or burst pipes in your property.
Why Are Frozen Pipes Bad?
When water lines freeze, they create excessive pressure that your pipes cannot handle. Not only do these frozen blockages slow down or cut off the flow of water, but they can also create enough pressure to rupture pipes. This may allow water to flow into your home, damaging walls and carpets and seeping into other vulnerable areas.
What Should I Do if I Have Frozen and Burst Pipes in Florida?
If your pipes are frozen, act immediately. Shut off the main water supply to your home. Next, you’ll need to attempt to thaw the pipes. You can do this with a space heater by directing it at the frozen area or applying direct heat with a blow dryer. If you are unable or unsure how to thaw your pipes, call a local plumber you trust to help.
Unfortunately, even after attempting to thaw your pipes, they still may burst. This can quickly turn your property into a water-damaged disaster. Before that can happen, call a professional water damage restoration company in Florida. With advanced water extraction technology, the DRIRITE team can get your property cleaned up, dried, and restored to its pre-loss condition.
How To Prevent Frozen Pipes
The best way to prevent water damage from frozen pipes is to be proactive. Here are three easy ways you can do that.
Install Insulation
Several areas of your property—the garage and crawl space—often lack insulation. That means when temperatures drop below freezing, water lines near or around those areas are susceptible to freezing. Avoid this by insulating the water lines in vulnerable areas. If you have indoor water lines that lack insulation, install insulation there too.
Let Faucets Drip
On freezing nights, preventing frozen pipes can be as easy as letting water drip from your faucets. You don’t need to run every faucet or allow much water to drip. But a little trickle from at least one faucet can help relieve pressure build-ups that could lead to a burst pipe.
Keep The Heat On
You may not need your furnace most of the year, but you’ll be glad you turned it on when temperatures drop below freezing. Not only does having adequate heat keep everyone comfortable, but it also helps prevent indoor water lines from freezing.
Call DRIRITE® for Winter Frozen Water Damage in Tampa
When preventative measures fail, you can trust the DRIRITE® team to clean up, repair, and revive your property. As soon as you have a burst pipe or other winter water damage scenario on your property, call us at (813) 722-0792 or contact us online. We’re available 24/7 to provide water damage restoration in the Tampa Bay Area.
Chief Executive Officer
Mike Campbell is a highly experienced professional specializing in structural drying, mold remediation, and environmental consulting. With certifications such as OSHA HAZWOPER, council-certified microbial remediator, and state of Florida licensed mold remediator, he offers tailored solutions to clients at DriRite. With specialized training from the IICRC, Mike is equipped with advanced skills in categories such as applied structural drying, commercial drying, and water damage restoration. This expertise allows him to deliver comprehensive and effective solutions to water-related issues. His dedication to providing exceptional service and expertise makes him a valuable resource in the field.
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