Expert Advice: What Can I Do About Frozen and Burst Pipes?

NEW YORK - Dec. 31, 2017 - PRLog -- With the temperature hovering well below freezing, we have more to worry about than finding gloves and a scarf before we brave the cold. We're not the only ones suffering; the pipes in our homes and offices are feeling the frost as well. A frozen pipe that bursts often times causes flooding in your home, which can lead to major problems, including mold.

"Pipes freeze for three main reasons – quick drops in temperature, poor insulation, and thermostats set at too low a temperature," says Robert Weitz, founder of RTK Environmental Group, a leading independent environmental testing company servicing the northeast for over 20 years. "There is also the possibility they will burst when they thaw, so you may be in for an unpleasant surprise if you weren't aware it froze in the first place," Weitz continues.

So, what can you do to protect those pipes? Here are a few tips.

PREVENT FROZEN PIPES:

·       A trickle of water can prevent your pipes from freezing. Open faucets that are vulnerable to freezing and let them drip slowly;

·       Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes such as under sinks and near exterior walls;

·       Don't lower the thermostat dramatically at night or when you leave for the day. Dropping it a degree or two is fine, but sudden drops in temperature can cause your pipes to freeze;

·       Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic, since exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing;

·       Seal spaces and openings that allow cold air indoors near where pipes are located;

·       Disconnect garden hoses, turn off the water supply valve inside, and keep the faucets open outside so any leftover water doesn't freeze in the pipes.

IF A PIPE FREEZES OR BURSTS:

·       Open the faucet to release pressure, and then add heat from a portable hair dryer or heater to the pipe to try to thaw the blockage. (You can tell if the pipe is frozen if there is no running water or just a trickle, and there is frost on the pipe or the pipe is slightly bulged or fissured.) But never use a flame torch!

·       If the pipe remains frozen, call in a plumber immediately.

·       If water is trickling out, leave the faucet open as dripping water helps prevent a total blockage.

·       If a water pipe bursts, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve and leave the faucet open.

·       Try to dry out the area as quickly as possible. Damp and wet areas are prime locations for mold growth, which can blossom within 24 hours.

·       Call your insurance company to see what your policy covers.

·       Once the repairs are complete, have a certified microbial inspector come in to test the area (http://rtkenvironmental.com/services/mold/when-to-test/) and make sure there is no lingering mold. Often times, remediation companies will come in right away and fix the main water issue, but do not allow ample time for floors, ceilings, and wall board to dry before finishing the job. Moisture is sealed into these areas, creating a perfect environment for mold to grow behind the walls and floors.

"The most important thing you can do if a pipe bursts is protecting your health by having your home or office properly tested for mold and remediated," Weitz states. "To make sure you are not taken advantage of, hire an independent mold inspector that does not perform remediation to get an honest answer, as they don't stand to make additional money on a repair," he recommends. A law was passed in New York in 2016 (http://rtkenvironmental.com/testing-remediation/pipe-brea...) making it illegal for the same company to perform mold testing and remediation on the same job.

Finally, be sure to have your home tested again after the work is complete to ensure it was done properly and that no mold is still lingering, Weitz explains. An independent environmental testing company will provide you with a detailed report, documenting that your home has a safe mold level. This documentation will be important for future insurance claims. If your home floods again and mold returns, your insurance company may question whether the mold was caused by the new event and not from the previous pipe burst. Without proof that your home was deemed mold-free after repairs were made, the insurance company might take the position that a new claim is not justified or that you have met your policy limit.

If you have questions or would like to book a test, call RTK at (800) 392-6468.

About RTK Environmental Group

For over 20 years, RTK Environmental Group has served all of Connecticut, southern New York State, Long Island, and northern New Jersey, and leads the field of environmental testing and consulting in mold, lead, asbestos, indoor air quality, VOCs, water, soil, and radon testing. RTK offers XRF paint inspections, mold remediation planning, water testing, air testing, risk assessments, project monitoring, clearance testing, and abatement planning. It has provided testing services to more than 35,000 commercial and residential customers, ranging from homeowners and real estate investors to medical centers and housing authorities and many others. Company professionals are certified, licensed, and fully insured on state and federal levels. For more information, please visit http://www.rtkenvironmental.com or call 1-800-392-6468.