The NEIRC
6 Boston Road, Suite 201, Chelmsford, MA 01824
Tel: 1-978-250-9847 Fax:
1-978-250-1117
email:
Neircinfo@neirc.org
The NEIRC is a shareholder association of the IICRC.
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Frozen Plumbing?
Hints for Homeowners
It’s that time of year again. Freezing air sweeps
down from the artic chilling everything in its path. Geographical areas
that seldom see freezing temperatures brace for winter’s worst.
 | While the hard freeze may not last that long, its
effect on your plumbing and home may have long-term consequences.
First, let’s discuss an “ounce of prevention”:
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| Foremost,
provide a little protection in the first place. Seal leaks that allow cold
air inside. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and
pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out and the heat in.
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| Ensure that
vulnerable pipes are insulated to prevent freezing. Pay close attention to
pipes in outside walls or ceilings that may be exposed to low temperature.
Leave cupboard or cabinet doors open to warm plumbing fixtures.
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| When
freezing (below 20ºF/-7ºC) is predicted, shut off water, disconnect hoses
and drain outside faucets. If you don’t have an inside shut-off valve,
wrap pipes or faucets in UL-approved insulation.
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| Allow
faucets to drip a little to keep water moving through them and to relieve
pressure buildup.
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| If you plan
to be away from home, set the heating system no lower than 55ºF (13ºC).
Have neighbors check your home periodically.
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| If
accessible pipes do freeze, use a hair dryer or electric heater to thaw
them out. Never use an open flame for thawing and never leave the electric
dryers unattended. |
OK, so what happens if a frozen pipe bursts and
floods your home? The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration
Certification (IICRC) offers this set of standard "dos and don'ts" for
dealing with water damage from frozen pipes.
Do:
| Do shut off the water immediately and ensure that a
plumber is called to eliminate the water source and make necessary repairs
as quickly as possible.
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| Do, since your
insurance policy requires that you take “reasonable and prudent
steps to contain the damage,” call or access the non-profit IICRC referral
network (800 835-4624; www.iicrc.org) for the names of qualified water
damage restorers in your area.
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| Do, if safe to
do so, turn off circuit breakers supplying electricity to wet areas, and
unplug and remove small electrical devices.
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| Do, remove
small furnishings from carpet to prevent rust or stains; place
double-folded aluminum foil under legs of metal or wood furniture
(especially antiques) that cannot be removed.
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| Do, hang
draperies and pin up furniture skirts to prevent contact with wet floors
and resulting water rings
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| Do, remove
books, shoes, paper goods, fabrics, potted plants, or other items that may
stain carpet (check under beds and in closets.
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| Do, mop up
standing water on hard surface flooring to prevent further absorption and
slip-fall hazards.
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| Do, remove and
secure breakable, moisture-sensitive or high-value items from furnishings.
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| Do, if the
water source was overhead, use dry towels to absorb water on furniture;
then, remove and dry damp contents or wash and dry fabrics quickly.
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| Do, increase
air circulation with fans and set heating systems on about 70ºF (21ºC).
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| Do, call your
insurance agent to report the damage and confirm coverage |
Do not:
| Do not use home
vacuum since electrical shock may result, as well as potential damage to
the equipment itself.
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| Do not place
newspaper in the traffic areas, since ink transfers easily.
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| Do not walk on wet
carpet any more than necessary to keep
water from spreading.
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| Do not
activate the heating system if it is has been directly contacted by water.
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| Do not increase
indoor temperature excessively. |
Remember, whenever water damage takes place in
your home, help is just a phone call away. The Institute of Inspection,
Cleaning and Restoration Certification is your exclusive source for
restoration standards and for referrals to ethical, dependable and
qualified IICRC-Certified Firms and Technicians. Just call 800 835-4624 or
access us at www.iicrc.org <http://www.iicrc.org>.
In the New England and New York Area go to
www.neirc.org
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The 2008 Connections Conference and Exhibition will be in Orlando -
May 15, 16 & 17, 2008!
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