When a polar vortex blasts through with sub-zero temperatures, it can causes serious problems for many homeowners. Pipes that freeze and rupture equal enormous headaches. Pipes can freeze, crack and bulge from ice. In some instances frozen pipes may appear fine, but will end up dumping water in your house after they thaw.

What is a Polar Vortex?

So what exactly is a polar vortex, anyways? A polar vortex refers to an area of low pressure. Typically these are found only in a few places in the northern hemisphere. When a piece splits off of the rest and moves south, it can cause devastation for many homeowners. When this happens, the southern and eastern U.S. can plunge into subzero temperatures that residents in the area are typically not accustomed to. This is exactly what happened this past winter at the Big Pineville AME Zion Church in Charlotte. Luckily the church called the expert water damage restoration team at 911 Restoration fast. There was flooding in the sanctuary, foyer, bathroom and some crawlspaces, but our seasoned crew got everything fully restored in no time.

Prevention is Key

Experts agree that the best way to handle frozen water pipe damage is to take the appropriate precautionary steps from the onset. There are things you can do to prepare for hazardous cold weather conditions. Right now temperatures are heating up in Charlotte, but we feel that this is actually the perfect time to take stock of your building and implement some preventative measures while the weather is nice. Preventing flooding can also mean preventing the need for mold remediation, as it often grown in conjunction with water damage problems that aren’t addressed quickly. Inspect your house, business (or place of worship of course) for areas where there may be water supply lines that are unprotected and unheated. Areas that can be susceptible include the attic, basement, garage, crawl space and underneath cabinets. You will want to make sure that the pipes in these areas are insulated before the polar vortex strikes again. Detach and remove any outdoor houses before winter. Shut off the valves to these outlets that are located inside. Open the outside valves, so that any remaining water can drain out and expand without bursting the pipe, in case in freezes.

Tools That Can Work

One thing that can greatly aid in preventing frozen pipes is installing heating cables. There are a number of heating cables that can help as well. They can be installed on supply lines that are susceptible to freezing temperatures. Some include self-regulated protection against pipe freeze ups in areas that are the most problematic. By installing an electrical thermostat-regulated heating system, below-freezing temperatures will automatically activate the system and ideally prevent your pipes from freezing.

Call the Professionals

Sometimes, you may just not have the time or energy or knowledge to thoroughly inspect your home for problem areas where pipes might be vulnerable to freezing. Other times you are just caught unaware and the damage has already been done. If this is the case, it may be best to talk to a professional water damage company about how you can best prevent or repair frozen water pipe damage.