Frozen Pipes can lead to Water Damage

12/10/2024 (Permalink)

Frigid temperatures can cause your pipes to freeze. When they begin to melt is when you may find water damage to your home or business.

When it’s freezing outside the ice inside the pipes can freeze and keep water from flowing out your affected faucet. That can be inconvenient and troublesome.

But it’s when your pipes thaw from the arctic freeze is when you must be most concerned. When this ice melts with variable temperatures, the pipe can begin to fluctuate in size due the changing volumes of liquid in the pipe, resulting in unwanted expansion, pipe cracks, leakage, or worse—a total pipe burst. The frozen water acts as a plug, preventing water from spilling out pipe cracks. When that plug thaws, water floods out.

It’s not so much when it’s frigid out that cause the big problems. Some frozen pipes don’t burst. But if one pipe does burst, it’s because water expands and shrinks when it freezes. This expansion and contraction causes significant pressure within the pipe structure. That pressure can cause a small leak at a connecter joint pivot. Or, pressure can cause a horizontal crack, the length of pipe, unleashing a tremendous water flow inside your home.

Preparation and planning are key, but if it happens and you find yourself stuck dealing with the mess, call SERVPRO of Medina County.  We are available 24/7 for your water remediation services.