This first installment: "How to Prevent Frozen Pipes and What to Do to Unfreeze Them"

GOOD Morning Wilton is pleased to introduce a new column called “GOOD Home,” sponsored by PuroClean of Wilton and Ridgefield.

PuroClean moved to south Wilton (24 Danbury Rd., Suite 204) in 2021, and provides 24/7 water damage remediation, fire and smoke restoration, and mold and biohazard removal services to the Fairfield County community and across southwest CT and Northeastern Westchester County.

In this new partnership, PuroClean will contribute information around home safety, maintenance, weather preparedness, and damage prevention on a bi-weekly basis, all with the goal to save homeowners from the hassle and headaches of severe property damage.

“We are so excited to start this effort with GOOD Morning Wilton. In our never-ending quest to serve our local community during its time of need, we feel this will bring tremendous value to Wilton residents,” Alejandro Restrepo, President of PuroClean of Wilton and Ridgefield, said. “Both organizations share the mission of serving our local community. We could not think about a better news source to team up with.”

Restrepo said the two informative articles per month fit into the GOOD news in GMW by helping protect Wilton residents’ property and wallets.

PuroClean of Wilton and Ridgefield is part of the multinational PuroClean property restoration franchise network. For more than 20 years, this network of over 360 offices has been driven by core values of servant leadership and relentless customer service, and each location strives to help those who are stricken by disaster rebuild their homes and property.

For more information about PuroClean of Wilton and Ridgefield, call 475.277.2400, email owners Alejandro Restrepo, Jennifer Restrepo or visit PuroClean of Wilton — Ridgefield online.

Water bursting through frozen pipes is a common sight in homes during periods of very cold weather. You’d be surprised how many calls water damage restoration companies, such as PuroClean, get every winter to restore properties that are affected by frozen pipes. The recent cold spell in our area was not the exception. Below we will share how pipes freeze, how to prevent pipes from freezing, and how to unfreeze pipes — and avoid water damage before it’s too late:

Pipes are especially vulnerable to damage caused by expanding water. Water lines that freeze are usually exposed to severe cold, such as outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, or water sprinkler lines. In addition, pipes in unheated interior areas such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and kitchen cabinets, and those that run against exterior walls with little or no insulation are also susceptible to freezing.

Several variables contribute to frozen pipes:

Furthermore, buildings that have a poor design and do not withstand severe weather sufficiently can contribute to their own damage. The type and age of the plumbing system is also a factor. Rust or corrosion weakens pipes, making leaks more likely to occur. When freeze-expansion occurs, corroded pipes will often split open. When thawing begins or when the water is turned back on, damage can occur.

During the renovation of older homes, blown-in or foam insulation is sometimes added to wall cavities between interior and exterior wall surfaces and between studs. This process may actually insulate heat away from pipes adjacent to the exterior wall surfaces, making them more susceptible to freezing.

Damage generally occurs when the water supply is turned back on. Since most modern plumbing lines are inside walls, homeowners usually observe a leak only after water has damaged floors, carpet, walls, or ceilings. Occasionally, an occupant hears the sound of spraying water, but by then it may be too late. The leak has already caused some degree of damage.

Pipes can also freeze during a power outage. Winter wind, snow, and ice storms frequently damage electric power lines and equipment, resulting in interruptions of electric power. Most heating systems depend on electricity, and when the power goes off, so does the heat. In severe cold weather, this can result in extensive freeze damage before power is restored.

Water is a unique substance. As with most materials, when water cools, its density increases, and it settles to the bottom of a container. However, at 32º F, it expands and, therefore, its density decreases! This is why ice floats. This expansion increases the volume of water by about 11% and creates tremendous pressure on its container (between 50,000 and 114,000 psi). Such containers include metal and plastic pipes. No matter the strength of a material, expanding water will cause it to break. Frozen water pipes can result in significant to extreme water damage, and the cost to repair is often huge! The following tips can help you prevent pipes from freezing and thaw those that are already frozen.

If you plan to be away from home for an extended period during cold weather:

If a pipe bursts, shut off the water at the main valve. Call a plumber (keep an emergency number nearby for quick access). Then contact us, PuroClean of Wilton | Ridgefield. PuroClean will evaluate and remediate any water damage that occurred. Our technicians stand ready to provide water damage restoration services to your property 24/7. Contact us at 475.277.2400, email us or visit the PuroClean of Wilton | Ridgefield website.