Prevent burst pipes over the holidays in Bentonville, AR

The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, and nothing should stand in your way of celebrating with your nearest and dearest. The perfect way to ruin holiday festivities? A burst pipe spilling everywhere, ruining your carpet, walls, and valuables. The longer the moisture sits, the more water damage it causes.

The worst part? Many times, burst pipes are preventable as long as certain precautions are taken. Here are a few of the major ways to avoid a burst frozen pipe this holiday season.

Relieve the Pressure

Most frozen pipes are openly exposed to the outside temperatures. They might be outside the house, or they could be in attics or crawlspaces that are not well-insulated. When a blockage forms, you might assume that the pipe would burst where the obstruction is, but it rarely does. The immense pressure built up between the ice chunk and the faucet causes the break to occur somewhere in between, which means you might not immediately be able to locate the source of the issue.

To prevent the pressure from building up, periodically let your faucet drip. You won’t lose as much water as you might think, and the constantly moving water will keep the pressure low within your pipes.

Keep Your Garage Closed

It’s smart to close your garage door as soon as you enter and leave, especially if you have any plumbing or appliances in there. This adds more protection from the brisk air that, if below freezing, can be detrimental to your home’s plumbing this winter.

Take Proper Steps While Away

If you’re like many, you might leave town for Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year’s, or another celebration. Before you can take a deep breath and enjoy this time with your loved ones, you need to take your pipes into consideration.

Never turn off your heat all the way while you’re gone. Although you might not be there to enjoy the warmth, it’s not wise to let your home’s internal temperature drop below 50 degrees. This could mean the difference between functioning or burst pipes. Additionally, open your cabinets before you leave to allow air to circulate. If you are going to be gone for an extended amount of time, turning off your water supply entirely might be a good idea.

We Have Your Back in a Pipe Burst

At Restoration 1 of Northwest Arkansas, no matter the size or severity of your pipe burst, our 24/7 emergency team can handle it. The last thing we want for you to worry about something like this in the midst of the holiday season. Even if your pipe bursts on Christmas Day, we will be there quickly. Contact us whenever you need help.