Frozen and Burst Pipes: What Property Owners Need To Know
As a historic cold snap grips Wisconsin and property owners across the state are facing an increased risk of frozen and burst pipes (one of the leading causes of winter-related water damage). As a leading property damage restoration company, we are seeing a surge in calls related to cold-weather damage concerns and is urging residents to take proactive steps to protect their homes and facilities.
Why Frozen Pipes Are So Dangerous
When water freezes, it expands, placing immense pressure on pipes. This pressure can cause pipes to crack or burst, often going unnoticed until temperatures rise and water begins to flow again. The result can be sudden flooding, structural damage, and the potential for mold growth if water is not addressed quickly.
Tips To Prevent Frozen And Burst Pipes
- Maintain consistent indoor temperatures at or above 65 degrees, even when away from home
- Allow faucets to drip slightly to relieve pressure and reduce freezing risk
- Open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing
- Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and attics
- Know the location of the main water shut-off valve in case of emergency
Important Steps If You Have Not Yet Shut Off Your Outside Water Valves
If outdoor water lines and spigots have not yet been winterized, it’s important to act as soon as possible, especially during extreme cold. Follow these steps carefully:
- Disconnect all hoses and accessories (e.g., remove garden hoses, splitters, timers, and any attachments from outdoor spigots). Leaving these connected can trap water and increase the risk of freezing inside the pipe.
- Shut off the interior valve supplying the outdoor spigot. Locate the shut-off valve inside the home that controls water flow to the exterior faucet and turn it off completely.
- Drain the exterior line. Go outside and open the spigot fully to allow any remaining water in the line to drain out.
- Open the interior bleed or drain valve. If your shut-off valve has a small bleed or drain cap, open it to release trapped water between the shut-off valve and the outdoor spigot.
- Leave the spigot open for the winter. Keeping the outdoor faucet open allows any remaining moisture to expand outward rather than building pressure inside the pipe.
What to Do If a Pipe Freezes or Bursts
If a pipe is suspected to be frozen, property owners should act quickly and cautiously. Gentle warming may help, but care should be taken to avoid fire hazards. If a pipe bursts:
- Shut off the water supply immediately
- Contact a professional restoration provider
- Act fast to minimize water damage and prevent mold growth
Full service property restoration companies specialize in emergency response, water damage mitigation, and restoration services. These companies are available to assist homeowners and property managers throughout severe winter conditions.
Facility Walk-Throughs AvailableÂ
Property owners and managers should conduct walk-throughs in coordination with their restoration provider, general contractor, or head of facilities to ensure everyone understands the building’s layout and critical systems.
For commercial properties and multi-family housing, Paul Davis offers facility walk-throughs for property stakeholders to help identify vulnerabilities before damage occurs, especially during extreme winter conditions. These walk-throughs are equally valuable for commercial buildings, where complex plumbing systems and larger footprints can increase the risk of significant water damage.
Key areas of focus during a facility walk-through include:
- Identifying vulnerable or exposed plumbing lines
- Confirming proper winterization of exterior water sources
- Reviewing emergency response plans
- Locating and clearly labeling the main water shut-off valve
- Ensuring key personnel know how and when to shut off the water in an emergency
