Northern Virginia is home to some beautiful landscape views. The enjoyable climate does come with a few drawbacks during these unpredictable upcoming winter months. K-One Design & Build wants you to know some of the basics when it comes to frozen pipes bursting.
Why?
- Outside temperature is very low
- Pipe isn’t properly insulated
- Pipes are old and need replacing
Where?
- Exterior pipes located outside the home
(Exposed to the elements) - Pipes within the wall
(In most cases close to the exterior of the wall)
How do you know you have a burst?
- Faucets not working correctly (Noone, 2018)
- Sometimes there’s no sign because it’s behind the wall
- Flooding means you have a major pipe burst
Immediate Action
•Turn off the water to the pipe
Note: You must know where your home’s water supply valves are located to be able to properly execute this step.
Water Damage Surprise
Sometimes demolition can reveal existing issues. This kitchen has a sink that was leaking into the back of the cabinetry. This is a good example of potential problems that arise during a project that need to be addressed.
Prevention Plan
Investigate & Troubleshoot
- Identify at-risk pipes and their locations
- Find where your home’s water supply valves are located in case an issue does arise
- Depending on the type and condition of the insulation, it may need replacing (Westerlund, 2021).
- If you have any leaking within your home, let us know and have it taken care of
Winterize Your Hose Bib
- Purchase and install a freeze resistant hose bib on your yard hose
- Turn off the water supply to your hose bib and drain it