Protect Your Tampa Home From Freezing Pipes This Winter

11/9/2021 (Permalink)

Freezing Temps Mean Your Pipes Can Freeze and Burst

Now that winter weather is on its way, bursting pipes are a concern—even in locations with a mild winter season, like Tampa, Florida.

If you live in an apartment or townhome, you may receive a newsletter or see signs that tell you to keep the heat on and let your faucets drip, but does that actually protect the pipes from the cold weather effects?

As temperatures drop below freezing, water pipes both at your home and your workplace run the risk of freezing and bursting. When this happens, flooding and damage can occur to the property and possessions. Although bursting pipes can lead to a myriad of issues, the good thing is that this can be avoided. Here are a few tips to help safeguard against freezing pipes:

Add insulation

Pipes located in the basement or attic need protection from freezing temperatures, as they are often uninsulated. Adding insulation, such as fiberglass or foam rubber, can be a solution for exposed pipes in these areas.

Caulk holes and cracks

All holes and cracks near pipes should be securely sealed to keep cold air out and warm air inside. This can be checked on the inside and the outside of the building.

Drip your faucets

Opening the faucet can relieve pressure in the pipe and keep water flowing. This keeps the pressure from building up and keeps water in a moving state, which reduces the chance of frozen water and bursting pipes, potentially causing a flooding situation.

Open cabinet doors

You likely have warmer air circulating throughout the house than what you’d find inside closed cabinets. Open your cabinet doors to let the air warm these uninsulated spaces. This decreases the chance of water freezing inside the hidden pipes.

Turn up the heat

Keep your household or business temperature above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, even when there’s no one occupying the building.

If disaster strikes and damage is done by frozen pipes flooding your property, our team here at SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast is ready to spring into action and make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us anytime–we're ready to respond to your emergency 24/7.

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Tampa Southeast is close by and ready to respond to your flood or water damage emergency. We proudly serve Tampa, FL, and surrounding areas.