4 Items You Need to Help with Water Damage Water damage is a traumatic event that affects millions of Americans every year. In fact, whether it is through a burst pipe or a particularly bad storm, water damage can affect you at any time. If you live in Washington, DC, or another area that is prone to freezing or heavy storms, you need to take action against water damage. Heaters, dehumidifiers, sandbags, and many other items can all be useful if you are experiencing heavy rain or a burst pipe. In this article, we will go over four items that every property owner should own to help prevent water damage. Heater A heater is a great tool to not only dry any water on your property but also prevent any future water damage. Placing a portable heater next to where the water damage occurred will dry up any water that was left behind. This action will slow down the rate at which the water is damaging your property. Also, if frozen pipes caused your water damage, it may be a smart idea to keep a portable heater near your pipes. Having a portable heater close to your pipes will help keep the pipes thawed out, which in turn will prevent further water damage. Another item that acts as a portable heater is a dehumidifier. Towels Towels are going to be your cheapest option on this list for preventing damage. Having a closet full of old towels can help prevent water damage from destroying your floors, as well as preventing water from spreading. Placing towels on the spots affected by the water will help absorb any leftover water. Also, towels can stop water from traveling to other rooms. Sandbags If you live in an area that is often affected by heavy rainfall, sandbags are a great way to keep your property safe. Sandbags create a barrier that water cannot pass through. Placing sandbags outside your doors and windows will help prevent rainwater from entering your property. Also, sandbags are an extremely affordable option for property owners. You can either make your own sandbags at home, or sandbags can be purchased at most home repair stores. Tool Kit Having a tool kit at the ready can help you make quick repairs to help prevent damage. For example, you can use a wrench to tighten the pipes around your property to stop the flow of water. Also, sometimes the water shutoff valve can be a pain to turn off. Using a wrench or a robust set of pliers can help you turn off the water valve in a pinch. Contact DC Water Restoration For Help No matter how many items you have, sometimes water damage is just unavoidable. When you experience water damage, you need to hire the right people to take care of it. If you live in DC or a surrounding suburb, you need to check out DC Water Restoration. Here at DC Water Restoration, we provide industry-leading services at affordable prices. Come to our website today and learn how we can save you both time and money.
What to Do About Frozen Pipes in DC Frozen Pipes in DC It is no secret that winter is officially here. With freezing temperatures and snowstorms predicted to hit the East Coast, it is time to prepare. Grab warm blankets from your closet, load up on hot tea, and prepare yourself for hibernation. However, all the preparation in the world won’t stop things from going wrong this winter season. Frozen pipes in DC are the most common and costliest accidents to affect homeowners. As the weather begins to freeze, stagnant water in your pipes can solidify and burst to cause damage in your home. In this article, we have provided steps to help prevent as well as alleviate frozen pipes. Also, we will provide useful information if you are already the victim of bursting pipes. Keep Your Pipes Flowing To begin, the most common reason for frozen pipes is stagnant water. When the temperatures dip below freezing, turn on the sinks in your home. This will allow the water in your pipes to flow and make it much harder for them to freeze. A downside to this solution is the higher water bills that will come from the constantly flowing water. Use External Heating Sources If you are afraid that your pipes are freezing, place an external heating source close to your pipes. For example, buying a space heater or heat lamp and putting it close to your pipes will help break apart the ice before it can form. A downside of this solution is the high electricity cost that may occur during the winter. Keep Your Thermostat on Day and Night To help thaw your frozen pipes, do not let your thermostat fall below 55 degrees. Keeping your home temperature warm and consistent is the best way to keep your pipes warm and water flowing. What to Do If Your Pipes Burst Unfortunately, no matter how much preparation you do, pipes can still burst. It is vital to act fast to avoid catastrophic property damage. First, you need to shut off your main water supply to prevent more considerable flooding. Second, call us at DC Water Restoration. With a response time of 30 to 60 minutes, we will assess the damage quickly. After we determine the damage, we will be able to provide any water cleanup that is required. Third, contact your insurance company to open a claim. Burst pipes can cost thousands of dollars in damages. The sooner you open an insurance claim, the sooner you can receive financial compensation to begin needed repairs to your home. Preparation is Key Frozen pipes in DC should be taken seriously. You must have key elements in place before the winter season begins. Inspect your pipes to make sure there are no cracks or other defects. Have heating sources like heat lamps and space heaters ready to go at a moment’s notice. Also, have DC Water Restoration’s contact info in a safe place so you can contact us on short notice. Stay safe, stay smart, and stay dry.