If you walk in to discover Old Faithful in your basement, the first thing you should do is shut off the main water supply to minimize flooding or the main shut off that services your pump system if you are on a well. Next, call Vortech.
We receive dozens of calls in the cold season with respect to frozen pipes both in buildings as well in the ground and often within well systems and pump houses. There is a process to restoring your water source however should there be a pipe burst here’s what we suggest.
Immediately dry out by removing as much water as possible using mops, sponges, towels, and a wet/dry vacuum. To minimize mold, mildew, and other moisture-related problems, run a dehumidifier in the space until it’s very dry.
For big messes, call your insurance agent. The good news is that most homeowners insurance covers burst pipes and the resulting water damage.
Before doing anything, shut off the water supply to that section of plumbing (or the entire house if that’s the only option) because the real trouble begins after the thaw. That’s because the frozen water may be acting as a plug, preventing water from spilling out of the cracks in your pipes. When that plug is thawed, water gushes out. It’s a good idea to be ready with a mop, bucket, and towels in case there’s a plumbing leak.
“It’s not the frozen pipes that really get plumbers’ phones ringing,” “It’s the thawing pipes that leak and spew water after a hard freeze.”
Use a space heater, heat lamp, or hair dryer to thaw the frozen length of pipe. Wrapping freezing pipes with thermostatically controlled heat tape (from $50 to $200, depending on length) is also an effective way to quickly thaw a trouble spot.
Don’t thaw pipes using a propane torch, which presents a fire risk.
These are a couple suggesting that you may wish to try on your own, failing that we are here to help when this situation occurs.
CONTACT US TODAY
