01/22/2014
Atlanta Emergency Experts
====If a Pipe Freezes===
If a faucet or pipe inside your house freezes, you can thaw it using a good hair dryer. (For safety purposes, avoid operating a hair dryer around standing water.)
To thaw a frozen pipe, heat water on the stove, soak towels in the hot water and wrap them around cold sections of the pipes.
When thawing a pipe, start thawing it nearest to the faucet. Make sure the faucet is turned on so that melted water can drip out.
Make sure to look around for signs of a water line break as the pipe thaws!
If a Pipe Bursts and You Have a Broken Water Line
Shut off water at the main valve. As pipes thaw, any breaks will become evident and not having additional water flooding the line will minimize the damage.
If the break is in a hot water pipe, the valve on top of the water heater should be closed.
Call a plumber. Keep an emergency number nearby for quick access.
Use the salt you have available to spread on walkways, driveways and hazardous areas of private roads.
Move any valuables to safety.
Remove as much water as you are able. If needed, immediately bring in a water extraction company to quickly and efficiently dry the area.
Notify your homeowners' insurance carrier. You may not need to open a claim if you aren't sure yet that the damages will exceed your deductible, but by putting them on notice, you secure your ability to file a claim should the damage reach that level.
If you notice a break on a common line, please immediately notify Homeside Properties or your onsite common area maintenance contact.
If you're in need of water damage repair or flood remediation, don't wait. Call the Atlanta Emergency Experts hotline today at 770-518-7155.
