Unpredictable weather throughout Texas over the past several winters has led to a rise in seasonal hazards and restoration costs in many communities. Homeowners in North Shoal Creek, TX, and other towns in the Austin area can minimize their risk by taking the following precautions.
Insulate Pipes
Frozen pipes frequently cause water damage because they can burst and leak. Add insulating material to any pipes in unheated areas of the home to prevent frozen water from expanding and cracking the pipes.
Schedule Furnace Maintenance
If the furnace fails over the winter, indoor temperatures could drop, causing pipes to freeze. Homeowners should call an HVAC or heating specialist in the fall to check the furnace's combustion chamber, pilot light, and electrical system for signs of wear and damage.
Let the Tap Trickle
If water stagnates in water pipes during cold weather, it can freeze and expand, causing burst pipes. Running a trickle of water through the pipes prevents water from sitting in the pipes long enough to freeze.
Disconnect the Garden Hose
Water in the garden hose can act as a heat sink, drawing heat from the inside of the home and causing the temperature within your pipes to drop. Remove the garden hose from the spigot, empty it of water, and store it until the spring.
Monitor Your Water Usage
Installing a water flow monitor in the home might seem unnecessary since a water company is already monitoring water usage. However, detecting a sudden spike or gradual rise in water use can give a homeowner valuable time to track down and repair a burst or leaking pipe before it can cause serious damage. Homeowners who do not monitor their water usage in real-time should review their utility bills for unusual increases.
Plan for a Leak or Burst Pipe
Knowing what to do if a pipe bursts can save precious days, hours, or even minutes. Water from a burst pipe can cause water damage and mold growth, requiring mold removal.
- Be familiar with how pipes usually sound.
- Keep homeowners insurance up to date.
- Know how to shut off the water in the house.
- Keep the contact information on hand for a local, trustworthy, responsive water damage restoration company that can handle seasonal hazards and restoration, such as Austin Fire and Flood.
Evidence of a proactive response to imminent cold weather could convince the insurance company that water damage did not occur as a result of the homeowner's negligence, resulting in a potentially higher payout to cover the damage.
Handling Seasonal Hazards and Water Damage Restoration from Austin Fire and Flood
If a cold snap causes a burst pipe, homeowners should take prompt action to shut off the water supply, assess the damage, and seek professional assistance. In the Austin area, including North Shoal Creek, TX, the best choice is Austin Fire and Flood.
Call Austin Fire and Flood at (512) 912-6814 to speak with a professional restoration specialist and receive a quote for seasonal hazards and restoration services.
