What You Can Do to Help Your Pipes Survive the DC Winter

For those living in DC, you know firsthand that the winter months can get overwhelming. Indeed, DC and the surrounding suburbs are notorious for getting the worst weather during winter. A significant downside of this cold weather is the effect it can have on your home’s or property’s pipes. When the weather dips below freezing, your pipes are at a major risk of freezing and bursting. Bursting pipes can flood your home or property and cause severe water damage. However, not all hope is lost. In this article, we will go over a few things you can do to help your pipes survive the DC winter.

Keep Your Pipes Warm to Prevent Water Damage

The best way to prevent any water damage to your home or property is to keep your pipes warm. Frozen pipes occur when stagnant water trapped in your pipes freezes and expands. As a result, if your pipes are warm, the stagnant water trapped in your pipes will flow normally and not freeze.

There are several methods you can use to keep your pipes warm. First, you can update the insulation in your walls. Insulation will wrap your pipes in warmth and make it extremely difficult for your pipes to freeze. However, this solution is expensive and can take a good amount of time to complete. Second, keeping a portable heater is a quick way of getting heat to your pipes during freezing weather. Also, portable heaters are affordable and easy to get for property owners in the DC area.

Inspect Your Pipes Before the Winter Season

There are also steps you can take before the winter season to ensure you are not a victim of water damage. During the summer and fall months, you need to perform a visual inspection of all the accessible pipes on your property. Look for any warping, swelling, or cracks. Next, if you notice any of these defections, you have two options. The first option is to repair the pipes on your own. Your next option is to hire a professional to either fix your pipes or replace them altogether. Whatever option you choose, they will both be effective in preventing water damage.

Have A Water Damage Game Plan in Place

Unfortunately, no matter how much preparation you do, there will always be a risk of water damage when it comes to your pipes. It is vital that you have a plan in place in case the worst happens and you have to deal with a burst pipe. The first thing you should do is shut off the water in your property. Next, you need to contact a water restoration company that will handle the water damage that has already occurred.

Here at DC Water Restoration, we take pride in offering industry-leading services to the city of DC and surrounding neighborhoods. Indeed, we provide 24/7/365 service, and in most cases, we can respond to any emergency in as little as 60 minutes. Check out our website today and learn how our services can help prevent water damage to your property.