RestorationMaster

(888) 915-7197
New York has never been a stranger to harsh winters as its residents are always faced with difficult challenges in preparing for freezing temperatures. One such frustration includes the problem of frozen pipes and sprinkler heads. While it can become easily forgotten, it can cause thousands of dollars in repairs if it bursts. This is first started by the water freezing within the pipes as a result of the low temperatures. It will then expand, adding extra pressure from the inside and ultimately bursting from within. Water will then flood everywhere if it is not taken care of right away. However, RestorationMaster will extract all water caused by the frozen sprinkler heads and burst pipes in the Staten Island, NY area. Our technicians have years of experience in effectively restoring the building materials from water damage, returning your property to a clean and dry condition once again.

Frozen Sprinklers and Pipes

The plumbing from the pipes and sprinkler heads are most commonly located in hidden areas, such as the attic or behind walls. In the colder winter months, the water within the pipes may freeze and expand until it bursts to spill water throughout the entire area. As these can release hundreds of gallons over water over time, your property can quickly sustain severe water damage.
If you have encountered a burst sprinkler head or pipe, the first step to take is to turn off the water by turning the emergency valve (usually located in your basement). Then you must call RestorationMaster right away in order to quickly remove all standing water and repair the damage. Our advanced mitigation equipment and products will then dry out and sanitize the building materials, ensuring that your home or building will be returned to its original condition.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

As burst pipes can result in severe damage, it is best to take all proper steps to ensure that they are prevented altogether. To do this, take these steps listed below:

• Although it may sound expensive, it can save you much more in the future. Keep the water running so low that is barely dripping from your faucet. This will allow it to flow more easily throughout the pipes. Just be sure to turn on both the hot and cold valves.
• Prop open the cabinets underneath the kitchen sink to allow warm air to flow around the pipes.
• Insulate the pipes with pipe insulation or electrical tape in uninsulated locations.
• Shut off the main exterior water supply valve during the winter and store all hoses inside.
• Place a space heater in the attic, basement, and crawlspace to ensure that the temperature does not reach below freezing.

Encountering Frozen Pipes

If you do not find any water pressure coming out of the faucets, check all pipes to ensure that none of them are frozen; it is crucial to find them now before they burst and cause severe damage in the future. Take these steps to find any signs of them in your home or building:

• Locate the main water line that is connected to the frozen pipe
• Turn on one faucet at a time to get an idea of where it is located
• Follow the pipe from the faucet into the colder areas of the home, such as the crawlspace, attic, or basement.
• Anything that is covered either in frost or ice will most likely be frozen. If you find any fissures or bulges, these will also indicate a problem.

How to Thaw a Frozen Pipe

You will always want to find a frozen pipe before it explodes; therefore, you can thaw it out and prevent a huge mess. Although this will be difficult to find if the pipe is hidden or hard to reach, there are several steps you can take to thaw it out:

• Place a space heater or infrared lamp next to the wall to warm it and thaw the pipe.
• Remove the drywall completely in order to thaw the frozen pipe with a hair dryer or heat lamp. A hair dryer has been known to work best. Also turn on the faucet in the process to allow water to flow through the frozen area and remove the blockage. Never use a blow torch.
• Increase the temperature throughout the house to thaw the pipe.

During the colder months of the year, you will want to monitor the condition of your pipes to ensure that there are no frozen areas or blockages. A broken sprinkler head or pipe will throw water throughout the property and cause severe damage to all building materials and content. If you have encountered this situation, be sure to call RestorationMaster right away to restore all damage caused by a frozen pipe or sprinkler head. We are available 24/7 at (888) 915-7197 in the Staten Island, NY area.