With the winter months here, you should be on the lookout for a few things around your house that could potentially cause issues. One of these things is frozen pipes. Frozen pipes can lead to flooded basements if they thaw out and crack. Not all cracked pipes are going to be obvious. In fact, a one-eighth inch crack in a pipe can cause a leak of up to 250 gallons of water per day. This means you should try to be aware of even the smallest of cracks in your pipes.
Frozen pipes are common in Des Moines because of the extreme cold temperatures of the winter. If a pipe freezes and bursts, it could lead to extensive basement water damage. Ideally, you should prevent this from happening ahead of time using some of the safety practices below.
Here are some tips for repairing frozen pipes to prevent basement water damage.
To prevent pipes from freezing, leave the faucet dripping in the room furthest from your water source. You do not need a large stream of water. You just need enough of a drip for something to flow through the pipes. If the weather is projected to be extremely cold, you may want to run all of your faucets to be safe.
For outside faucets, purchase insulated covers to go over the spigots. These are only a few dollars each, and they will drastically cut down the cold air that enters your pipes.
In some cases, all you need to do is turn your water on to get your pipes thawed. The flowing water will melt away the ice and release any blockages that may be present. If that does not work, you will need to check for bursts or leaks on the outside of the piping. Those will need to be repaired before you thaw your pipe.
You may use a space heater or hair dryer to thaw the frozen area of the pipes, which should allow your water to flow again. You may also try putting rags around the pipe and pouring warm – not hot – water on top of the area.
Make sure your home’s core temperature doesn’t fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even when you’re not around. You can also purchase a home monitoring system that sends you an alert when the temperature drops.
If you are unable to repair your frozen pipes for a few days, you may see if you can use an inner tube and clamps to temporarily fix the problem. In some cases, you can also use plumber’s tape to cover the leaks. The area you are trying to fix will need to be completely dry for this to work properly.
If your frozen pipe needs a permanent repair, contact a licensed plumber. They can use a pipe clamp to repair the damaged area or replace the section of piping affected by the freeze.
If a frozen pipe bursts in your Des Moines home, shut off the water going to that area. If there are no valves easily accessible, you may need to shut off the water supply to the home until you can get a plumber out to do the repairs. You may also need to contact a water damage restoration company.
Water in the Basement
Broken pipes can lead to a lot of water in your basement, destroying precious items from furniture to memorabilia. When that moisture comes into contact with exterior walls, doors, and windows it freezes and can cause damage to drywall and joints. Prolonged water damage can also lead to mold growth. Can also cause permanent damage to your foundation and possibly endanger the structural integrity of your house.
You can’t control every situation, but you can call BAM!
Despite your best efforts, sometimes disaster strikes. If you’ve experienced basement flooding and need your foundation fixed, Bam is just a call away. Schedule a free estimate or give us a call 515-963-0226 to make this a leak-free, worry-free winter.
Here at BAM basements and Masons of Des Moines we pride ourselves on delivering every consideration to total customer satisfaction with the highest quality workmanship, limited lifetime warranties, having over 100 years combined of expertise on waterproofing, we are locally founded, owned, and operated. Call us for all your waterproofing needs and we will find a customized solution to fit your home’s needs. BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines is your premier basement egress window company serving the Des Moines, Iowa area. If you’re located in Des Moines, Ankeny, Bondurant, Altoona, Pleasant hill, Ames, Adel, Waukee, Indianola, Grimes, Urbandale, Johnston, West Des Moines, or the surrounding areas, we’re the place to call.