Prevent Home Flooding in Winter

Home Flooding From Frozen Pipe In Winter

While home flooding is an all-season potential, some indoor water damage is strictly winter-specific. Plummeting temperatures and wilder weather in many locales stresses home structure and systems, increasing the risk that water will find a way to cause expensive damage. Here are three common sources of home flooding in winter:

Frozen Pipes

Water supply lines may freeze and burst when outdoor temperatures drop to the mid-20s or below. Home flooding due to ruptured frozen pipes often results from uninsulated plumbing routed through unheated zones. To reduce the potential for home flooding:

Insulate accessible spans of water supply pipes located in unheated zones like the attic, crawl space, and garage.
Locate and seal openings in exterior walls that allow frigid outdoor air to contact pipes routed through walls.
When frigid temperatures are forecast, open a few indoor taps to allow a continuous trickle of water overnight. Also, maintain the furnace thermostat setting of at least 60 degrees. The extra expense of trickling water and heating is far less than the cost to repair home flooding damage.
If the water flow stops at a specific fixture or area of the house (a sign of potential freezing), turn off the home's main water valve and call a plumber ASAP.

Ice Dams

Mounds of ice on the roof near gutters block drainage from melting snow and cause pooling. Because roof shingles don't resist standing water, leakage into the attic and living spaces may occur.

Ice dams are triggered by household heat infiltrating the attic, warming upper roof portions while lower roof surfaces remain frozen. To prevent home flooding due to ice dams:

Eliminate attic heat infiltration by locating and sealing ceiling cracks and gaps in living spaces.
Verify that attic insulation coverage is uniform and meets current Department of Energy standards.

Basement Flooding

Rapid melting of deep snowfall has the same effect as heavy rain in summer. As soil becomes over-saturated, water may penetrate cracks and gaps in basement walls. Sealing walls to waterproof the basement, as well as installation and proper maintenance of a basement sump pump, helps prevent potential home flooding in all seasons.

As winter approaches, it's essential to be proactive in preventing home flooding. By insulating pipes, addressing ice dams, and securing your basement, you can significantly reduce the risk of water damage.

If you do encounter any issues with water, fire, or mold damage, remember that Rytech Restoration is here to assist you. Our experienced team is equipped to handle all your restoration needs, ensuring your home remains safe and secure throughout the winter season. Don't let winter damages catch you off guard; contact Rytech Restoration for prompt, professional, and reliable water damage service.

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