To our valued customers, agents, and fellow colleagues,
Imagine waking up on a freezing winter morning to find water cascading down your walls and pooling on your floors. This nightmare scenario is often caused by burst pipes, a common but preventable issue during winter.
According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), burst pipes are among the leading causes of property damage during cold weather, resulting in thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Preventing burst pipes is not just about saving money; it's about protecting your property, minimizing stress, and ensuring safety during harsh winter conditions. Below are some tips for prevention and solutions to mitigate damage if the worst occurs. Whether you're a homeowner or a business owner, these essential winter maintenance strategies will help safeguard your property and peace of mind.
Insulation Insulation is your first line of defense against freezing temperatures. Focus on:
Exposed Pipes: Wrap pipes in foam insulation sleeves or use heat tape for extra protection.
Unheated Spaces: Insulate walls, attics, and garages to maintain warmer temperatures.
Seal Gaps and Cracks Cold air seeping through cracks can lower the temperature around pipes. Take these steps:
Use caulking or weatherstripping to seal gaps around windows, doors, and vents.
Maintain Consistent Indoor Temperatures Avoid drastic temperature changes inside your property by:
Keeping the thermostat set to at least 55°F, even when the property is unoccupied.
Opening cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
Allow Faucets to Drip Running water through pipes helps prevent freezing. On particularly cold nights:
Let faucets connected to exposed pipes drip slowly.
Focus on taps farthest from the main water line to keep water moving throughout the system.
Winterize Outdoor Plumbing Don't forget about exterior water sources:
Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
Shut off outdoor faucets and drain sprinkler systems.
Also, don't forget to take the same precautions for other properties you may own. Feel free to share this email with your tenants, if they are responsible for safeguarding the property.
If they aren't occupied, make sure the batteries in the thermostat are good. We've seen some big damage all because the batteries died in a thermostat.
If a situation does arise, please remember we are here to help with all your restoration needs.
Stay safe and stay warm,The Staff at ECO Restoration & Cleaning Services (ERC)832-783-0022 (push 1 for emergency service)
February 1, 2025
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