Avoid Winter Water Damage at Home in Texas with These Useful Water Damage Restoration Tips

4/22/2021 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: Texas residents don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on winter water damage restoration services and continuous cleanup operations. Follow these essential four water damage prevention tips from the professional team at SERVPRO to safely get Bee Cave and the surrounding communities through the cold season.

Reuters reports that deteriorating climate conditions mean that US residents can expect a 61% increase in flood damage costs over the next three decades. Texas is particularly vulnerable to severe storms during the winter. The water cleanup experts at SERVPRO expect continuous flood cleanup and commercial water damage restoration in the cold seasons to come.

Four Easy Ways to Avoid Winter Water Damage

SERVPRO is one of the top water restoration companies in Bee Cave, Texas. They have helped countless local households and businesses deal with water damage and mold removal related to flooding and other emergencies. While Bee Cave residents can’t do much against massive storms, SERVPRO provides four methods to soften the impact and prevent water damage this winter.

#1 Insulate Pipes Carefully

Frozen pipes commonly lead to extensive water damage and mold growth and much trouble for the homeowner. These pipes typically remain hidden for most of the winter, expanding as they freeze. The extra pressure on the pipes then results in small cracks and ever-increasing pressure, eventually leading to a burst.

While Bee Cave, Texas, doesn’t have to endure many freezing nights, those temperatures are even more dangerous when they do appear. Residents don’t expect to experience frozen pipes in the usually warm climate, and many people fail to take precautions.

Avoiding a water removal service or commercial cleaning service is only possible if homeowners work closely with a water damage restoration company like SERVPRO in the warm season. Some recommended precautions by the SERVPRO technicians include:

• Insulating pipes that are regularly exposed to cold air. The entire pipe needs insulation, including corners and elbows.
• Keeping faucets open during below-freezing weather. It helps to reduce the pressure in the pipe system and minimizes the chances of cracks or bursting.
• Leaving the heating on during vacations. Vacations are long periods when homeowners aren’t able to monitor the weather or take precautions. If it’s a winter vacation, leave the heating on at home to prevent indoor pipes from freezing.
• Check pipes regularly for leaks. Self-checks and regular maintenance are especially helpful after the first cold snap of the season.

#2 Clean Gutters Regularly

Gutters are an essential part of the roof structure, directing water away from the building. However, leaves, nests, and general dirt or debris can quickly block gutters from doing their job. The result is overflowing water straight down the walls and into cracks and crevices.

The solution is for homeowners to clean their gutters twice a year: once in spring and fall. The gutters will perform as expected and keep the building free of water damage and corrosive elements. If the task seems tedious, why not request the help of a water damage restoration service like SERVPRO?

#3 Maintain the Water Heater

A lifespan of eight to ten years makes water heaters easy to neglect for the mild winters in Bee Cave, TX. However, older water heaters tend to accumulate corrosive sediment, which quickly leads to leaks. These issues often remain undetected for long periods, resulting in intense flooding and water damage that requires a professional building restoration service.

Regularly servicing the water heater will cover this eventuality. Check for cracks and ensure proper repairs before the winter. In many cases, replacing an aging heater saves on maintenance and energy efficiency, so it is well worth considering as the heater nears the eight-year mark.

#4 Call a Water Damage Restoration Company like SERVPRO

Water damage isn’t something that homeowners can ignore easily. A small leak may lead to massive water damage restoration costs and many other problems. Mold growth may also cause health effects, requiring timely services from mold remediation companies, like the specialists at SERVPRO. 

SERVPRO provides many effective services, including a reliable fire damage restoration service, flood cleanup, and air duct cleaning service. For water damage restoration or help with preparing a West Lake Hills residence for the winter, visit SERVPRO of Lakeway / Westlake online. They are available 24/7 at (512) 261-4790 and on Facebook.