We’ve had a rough winter in St. Louis and it isn’t over. Along with icy roads and power outages, we face another potential problem: a frozen pipe. Having your frozen pipe burst can propel you from problem to disaster. So what do you do?
The sooner you spring into action in following these 10 steps, the less damage your property will suffer and the less it will cost.
1. Turn off the water. Find the valve of your primary water supply to your home or building and turn it off. As a safety precaution, you may want to ensure everyone in your home or building knows how to locate this shut-off. If possible, you may want to turn off your electricity as well.
2. Turn your faucets on. Once you’ve turned the main water valve off, open all your faucets. By performing this intervention, you’ll release trapped water and lower the pressure in your plumbing. This may prevent you from having another frozen pipe burst.
4. Find the location where the pipe burst. You will find this relatively easy if the frozen pipe is in a wall. If you recall experiencing water pressure problems from a specific faucet, its location may lead you to the affected lines. If your electricity is still on, unplug any electrical devices adjacent to the wall and avoid using nearby outlets.
5. Check the floor. Be conscious that a frozen pipe in a floor can cause flooding. Move any furniture or other valuables from the floor out of reach of the water. Unplug anything from electrical outlets in or near the floor.
7. Clean up the water. Before or after the plumber arrives, you’ll want to get up as much water as you can. A wet-dry vacuum can get water up and out of carpets. Towels, mops and even dehumidifiers may help. Use whatever works for your particular situation.
8. Assess the damage. You may not immediately spot water damage. Look up. If you see bulging or sagging ceilings, suspect they’re retaining water. Staying beneath them won’t be safe. Make careful notes of any damage. If necessary, find other accommodations for your loved ones or any other occupants until you have the damage remediated.
9. Contact your insurance agent. After eliminating any hazards you can find and clean up the mess, get in touch with your insurance agent. Depending on your policy, your insurance company may pay for repairs and items damaged by flooding and leaks.
10. Call a plumber. Call for help as soon as possible. In the case of a significant cold front or storm, we at Bieg Plumbing and many other licensed plumbers will be swamped… so put yourself at the head of the line.
Help is close at hand… At Bieg Plumbing, we’ve been fixing frozen pipes in the St. Louis area for over 60 years!
Frozen pipes got you stuck? Call in the red truck!
