Tips From Rytech On How To Keep Your Pipes Safe This Winter

Throughout most of the country, frozen pipes can be prevented. It starts with you. Today, water damage restoration company Rytech Nashville addresses ways that you can keep your pipes warm during the coldest part of the year.

Q: How do I know that I have frozen pipes?

Rytech Nashville: One of the earliest signs of a frozen pipe is a reduced flow of water. If you have a pipe that has stopped flowing altogether or has noticeable low water pressure and temperatures outside are below 25° (especially overnight), you may have a frozen pipe. Sometimes, this can affect your entire home, while a frozen pipe may only affect one fixture at other times.

Q: If I have a frozen pipe, how do I thaw it out?

Rytech Nashville: If you suspect a frozen pipe, the best first action is to turn the affected faucet to the on position. Next, follow the pipe through your home. For example, if the water is not coming out of an upstairs bathroom fixture, open the cabinet to see where the pipe goes. Chances are, it is tied to your hot water heater in your garage, basement, or utility closet. If you are able to identify the frozen pipe or pipes, grab a hairdryer or warm towel. A hairdryer can be used on its lowest warm setting to slowly thaw the ice. Similarly, a warm cloth may be draped over the affected pipe and replaced every few minutes until the water flows freely once again. Something to keep in mind here is that you should never use a lighter or propane torch to attempt to unfreeze a pipe. In Nashville, many water damage restoration calls are made after a homeowner mistakenly tries to expedite the process and damages their pipes.

Q: What happens if a water pipe ruptures?

Rytech Nashville: Sometimes, ice builds up in a frozen pipe to the point that it expands and ruptures the line. This can cause serious damage to your home, and if you notice evidence – a crack in the pipe, a damp wall, or standing water on the floor – it’s time to turn the water off at the source. Then, contact an emergency plumber who can fix the problem quickly. If water has seeped behind the wall or is standing on carpet or other absorbent surface, call the water damage restoration experts at Rytech Nashville.

Q: How soon do I need to address damage caused by a ruptured pipe?

Rytech Nashville: The sooner, the better. Water damage restoration gets costlier the longer you wait. Call your plumber as soon as you notice the issue, and get it fixed before water has a chance to cause any more damage than necessary.

If you’ve recently suffered water damage and need a restoration expert, contact Rytech Nashville today. With 24/7 emergency services and experts in disinfecting, mold remediation, and more, our team can help you get back to your life.