Cinnaminson, New Jersey, November 24
th, 2021
According to insurance experts, about 1 in 50 homeowners will file a water damage or freezing claim each year. These claims typically cost over $10,000 and many are caused by burst pipes during the cold winter months.
Pipes can burst because as water freezes, it expands putting tremendous pressure on both metal and plastic pipes. The potential damage to homes and buildings is significant. Water escaping from a burst pipe can ruin building materials, belongings, furnishing, and can even result in structural damage in some cases.
Fortunately, there are steps people can take to help prevent pipes from freezing. They include the following tips:
- Insulate or heat any pipes that could be susceptible to freezing. Don’t forget pipes that could be out of sight in basements, crawlspaces, and attics.
- Remove and drain outdoor hose connections. If there is an indoor valve to these outdoor bibs turn them off, allow the pipes to drain and leave the outside valve open so any remaining water can expand without bursting the pipes.
- Keep garage doors closed if there are water lines located there or in the garage walls.
- Open closets and cabinet doors inside the building to allow warm air to circulate if pipes are located behind them.
- Be sure the HVAC system is operating properly and many experts recommend keeping the heat on at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit if the property will be empty.
- Turning the water off to the property and draining the water lines is an option for vacant properties; however, this could prevent fire suppression systems from being able to operate.
- During extreme cold weather some people choose to allow a trickle of water to flow from a faucet to keep water in motion to help prevent pipes from freezing.
“The direct damage caused by a burst pipe is rarely the only concern,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Microbial issues can quickly occur as standing water, wet materials, or high humidity levels create the ideal breeding ground for mold and bacteria. While cleanup and repair activities take place, asbestos-containing materials and lead based-paints can also be an exposure hazard in many homes and buildings if the proper safety precautions are not in place.”
With laboratories located across North America, EMSL Analytical helps property owners, tenants and landlords test for mold, bacteria, lead, asbestos, and other hazards associated with burst pipes and other types of water damage. EMSL also provides sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits and a wide range of building inspection tools. They even recently sponsored an educational video with tips to help prevent burst pipes that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/KcFH5qFXZcs
To learn more about water damage, mold, asbestos, lead, and other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) testing services and inspection tools, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. To order IEQ test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.