Protecting Your Home from Frozen and Burst Pipes
Burst Water Pipes - Frozen water, Damages to your Property
Winter can bring picturesque snowscapes and cosy moments by the fireplace, but it can also bring the dreaded problem of frozen and burst pipes. When the temperature drops below freezing, unprotected pipes and dripping taps are at risk of freezing and cracking, potentially disrupting your water supply. Worse yet, when the temperature rises again, these damaged pipes can spring leaks, causing costly damage to your property. In this blog, we'll discuss how to identify and address frozen and burst pipes to safeguard your home.
Detecting Frozen Pipes
If one or more of your faucets suddenly stop working during a cold snap, it's essential to investigate promptly. Begin by checking with your neighbours to determine if they are also experiencing water supply issues. If they are, there might be a broader water supply problem. However, if your neighbours have no such issues, it's likely that you have a frozen pipe in your home.
What to Do If You Have a Frozen Pipe
If you possess basic plumbing knowledge, you can attempt to locate and thaw a frozen pipe yourself. However, if you're unsure, it's best to call a registered plumber for assistance. Here are the steps to follow if you decide to tackle the issue yourself:
1. Turn off the water supply: Reducing water flow can limit potential leakage or damage if the pipe bursts.
Do this by:
- Finding and turning off your inside stop valve.
- Turn off the stopcock in your cold water tank, usually situated in the attic.
2. Locate the frozen pipe:
- Check the water pressure in appliances like taps and toilets; if it's lower than usual, you're likely in the right area.
- Look for uninsulated pipes, pipes that feel much colder than others, or those exposed to draughts or damage.
- Turn on nearby cold taps to relieve pressure on the frozen pipe but NEVER turn on the hot taps.
3. Thaw the pipe:
- If the pipe and fittings are undamaged, you can gently thaw the pipe.
- Protect or move anything that could be damaged if the pipe bursts when thawed.
- Use a hairdryer on the lowest setting to gently warm the pipe, starting at the end closest to the tap.
- NEVER attempt to thaw frozen pipes using methods like immersion heaters, central heating, or blow torches.
Dealing with a Burst Pipe
A burst pipe is a plumbing emergency that can wreak havoc in your home. Follow these steps to minimise damage and get the situation under control:
1. Limit the damage:
- Turn off the water supply as previously instructed.
- Drain the system by opening all cold water taps and flushing toilets.
- Turn off the central heating and immersion. If you use solid fuel, let it extinguish.
- Once the water heating is entirely off, turn on hot taps to further drain the system.
- If water from the burst pipe is near electrical sockets or switches, turn off the mains if safe. Avoid touching wet switches and call a qualified electrician if needed.
- In shared water supply situations, such as apartment complexes, ensure you have access to the stopcock, usually at the water supply entry point.
2. Seek professional repair:
- While you can make a temporary fix using cloth or tape, it's crucial to have a qualified and registered plumber perform a permanent repair as soon as possible.
- Refill your hot water system BEFORE switching back on your immersion or boiler.
Talk to our team about assessing the damage and helping you file a claim with your home insurance.
Navigating Storm Damage Claims on Your Irish Property
As the winter sets in across Ireland, the wind, rain, and cold can take their toll on our homes.
A Loss Assessor will work with you on your behalf to ensure you recieve the maximum settlement you are entitled to under your policy.
Water damage is usually chaos for a home. Experiencing water damage on your property can have devastating consequences, posing a threat to your well-being and livelihood. It is crucial to handle your leak or flood damage insurance claim professionally, ensuring your best interests are protected. Act Now - Call our emergency number for FREE advice At Property Damage Loss Assessor (PDLA), we specialise in managing water damage claims on your behalf, accurately documenting the extent of the damage and presenting a strong case to your insurance company. Water damage can manifest in various ways, whether it's the result of a flood or a burst pipe. Beyond the visible damage, water can cause additional issues such as electrical damage, damage to carpets or flooring, harm to wallpaper and plaster, and destruction of personal belongings. In cases of flood water damage, specialised attention is necessary due to potential contamination. Thorough cleaning and drying are essential before undertaking any repairs, ensuring that long-term damage is identified and resolved correctly. Unfortunately, insurance companies often overlook significant damage and long-term risks during the crucial assessment stage, which can jeopardise your well-being and financial security. We are here to support you with your claim Our team at PDLA is committed to professionally and safely managing your water damage claim. We take responsibility for negotiating the best settlement with your insurance company and maximising the benefits outlined in your insurance policy. As part of your flood damage claim, we can assist in coordinating emergency repairs and implementing safety measures, such as boarding up windows and entrances, as well as arranging emergency electrical work. Furthermore, we can help you find alternative accommodation and secure an interim payment from your insurance company to cover the expenses of a hotel or similar lodging. Our team of professionals specialises in identifying water damage that extends beyond the superficial, potentially impacting the structure or fabric of your property. Failure to identify these issues during the assessment process could result in underpaid claim settlements, leaving you burdened with costly repairs in the future and posing risks to your health and safety. Impartial Advice and Support During Critical Times We provide a comprehensive claims management service for your insurance claim, offering valuable support, professional assistance, and unbiased advice during your time of loss. Acting on your behalf, PDLA ensures impartial guidance and support during this critical period, effectively managing communications with your insurer and their loss adjuster to achieve a satisfactory insurance settlement. While our services can be deployed at any stage of your insurance claim, it is highly recommended to engage PDLA from the outset. The actions and statements made in the early stages of your claim can have significant implications for the final outcome. Trust Property Damage Loss Assessor (PDLA) to handle your water damage claim with expertise, ensuring a fair and favourable resolution while providing you with the peace of mind you deserve. PDLA Contact Information Dublin: 01 6855675 Laois: 057 86 37500 24/7 Helpline: 087 2061411 Email: info@pdla.ie