Prevention and Cleanup: Water Damage From Winter Storms and Cracked Pipes

To Prevent Frozen Pipes

• Wrap electrical heating tape on exterior pipes. Remove garden hoses from faucets.
• Cover pipes with foam rubber or fiberglass insulation and secure it with tape.
• Let cold and hot water faucets drip. Running water helps prevent freezing pipes and reduces pressure build up in them.
• Inside the home, open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to promote warm air circulation around plumbing.
• Leave the thermostat at the same temperature both day and night, at least 55°F.
  

To Thaw Frozen Pipes

• Locate the problem pipe, if possible, and open a faucet. As the pipe thaws, running water aids the melting process.
• Apply heat to the frozen section using a hand-held hair dryer or portable electric space heater. Do not use a blow torch as it could cause the pipe to explode. Do not use a propane or kerosene heater as these are hazardous for indoor use.
• If you are unable to locate or access the frozen pipe area, call a licensed plumber.
• If all else fails and you experience a burst pipe and resulting water damage, shut off the main water valve and contact a professional water damage restoration company with trained technicians and extraction, drying and dehumidifying equipment. Call the IICRC hotline at (800) 835-4624, or go to www.CertifiedCleaners.org for a list of certified restorers in your area.

Clean Up

When water damage results from cracked pipes, the IICRC offers these tips for clean-up:

• Shut off the main water valve, if practical, and call a plumber to fix the leak.
• Call an IICRC-certified professional water restoration firm immediately for mitigation services, as required by your insurance policy. Certified Firms have the knowledge, experience and equipment to locate water wherever it goes, remove the excess, and dry your structure to industry standards. Call the IICRC hotline at (800) 835-4624, or go to www.CertifiedCleaners.org for a list of certified restorers in your area.
• Mop up standing water on flooring surfaces to prevent slip/fall hazards. If the burst pipe is overhead, drain ceiling cavities by punching “weep” holes.
• Prevent mold growth. Although it takes a few days to appear, mold thrives on wood, paper, particle board or even household soil,...