While pipes can burst in any season, severe winter weather increases the likelihood of such an event. When left to freeze, the water inside pipes expands and pressure builds against the surrounding material, eventually causing the “burst” effect. Should a pipe in your home burst, take immediate action to minimize water damage, mold growth, and harm to your equipment. Above all, call in professionals for burst and frozen pipe repair services.
Argent Heating & Cooling is a top provider of such services in the Washington, DC, Metro area. You need a reliable and comprehensive service provider for plumbing and HVAC emergencies. Our team fits the bill thanks to over 30 years of industry experience. Indeed, we exceed customer expectations and support our local community. To learn more about our services and schedule an appointment, call (703) 281-6300 today!
Below, we discuss how to prevent and react to frozen pipe bursts:
How to Prevent Burst Frozen Pipes
The most effective way to keep pipes from bursting during the winter is to prevent them from freezing. Although you can’t control temperatures outside your home, you can take a few measures inside it to offset winter weather.
For instance, ensure your home’s interior never dips below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If you plan to be away from home for a long time with the heat off, shut off your water valve. Moreover, let water drip through your faucet when the weather gets cold. Although a steady drip may be irritating, running water is less likely to freeze than stagnant water.
Finally, insulate your pipes to prevent them from bursting. Proper insulation on indoor pipes, such as expanding foam warmed by a heated reflector lamp, will keep your pipes warm from the inside.
Signs of a Frozen Pipe
Unfortunately, burst pipes are among the most common causes of property damage from cold weather. Therefore, you must familiarize yourself with the signs of frozen pipes before temperatures drop below freezing. A lack of water when you turn on faucets is the most straightforward sign of frozen pipes. Indeed, you may also notice a foul smell from backed-up wastewater behind the ice blockage.
What to Do When a Pipe Bursts
1.) Shut Off Water Supply
After a pipe bursts in your home, locate the main water valve and shut it off to stop the flow through the broken pipe. In some cases, you may also need to shut off electricity in the area near the pipe burst.
2.) Remove Water
After turning off the water supply, you must soak up the standing water as much as possible. Doing so will help prevent mold and mildew buildup in the long run. You’ll need towels, buckets, and mops to get the job done. Do not wait for a service professional to clean the water for you—the longer you wait, the more likely you’ll get mold or water damage.
3.) Call Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve managed the water damage, contact your homeowner’s insurance provider. If possible, take pictures of the broken pipe and the damage it caused. Using such evidence, your insurance agent will work with you and your policy to get your home repaired as needed.
4.) Contact a Professional Plumber
The final and most critical step is to contact a reliable plumber to thaw frozen pipes and repair damage. Emergency pipe repairs require swift action and trained professionals, so don’t settle for just any plumbing service. At Argent, our highly trained and certified technicians handle every job with the utmost care and attention to detail.
Burst and Frozen Pipe Repair in the Washington, DC, Metro Area!
Although the holiday season has us feeling warm and fuzzy on the inside, cold winter weather demands that homeowners keep a careful eye on their pipes. When burst and frozen pipe repair services are needed in the Washington, DC, Metro area, residents can turn to Argent Heating & Cooling. With 30+ years of experience in the industry, there is no home HVAC or plumbing issue that we can’t resolve. Call (703) 281-6300 to schedule a service call today!
