In Chicago and the surrounding areas, we deal with our share of cold weather during the winter. Freezing temperatures can lead to frozen pipes, and if not insulated properly, frozen pipes can burst. When water freezes, it expands, causing extra pressure to build inside the pipes, which can leads to cracks and ultimately bursting.

How to Prevent Burst Pipes

When it comes to preventing pipes from bursting, it really is all about insulation. Pipes are typically located in areas that are not usually exposed to much heat. Keeping pipes warm is the best way to prevent the water from freezing and causing them to burst.

There are several ways to insulate pipes. The materials can be found at your local home improvement stores.

• Pipe insulation
• Heat tape
• Towels

Other ways to prevent water from freezing inside pipes are allowing water to run slowly through the pipes on a regular basis or keeping your thermostat the same temperature both during the day and night.

What To Do When Pipes Burst

Even with the best efforts, pipes may burst and freeze, leaving you with a water logged home. What are your next steps?

Begin by shutting off your water. Be absolutely sure that you are not entering an area where water is touching any electrical areas. If water has reached electrical outlets, DO NOT ENTER. Instead, immediately call in a professional.

Turn Off Electricity

Once you are sure that the area is water free, turn off the electricity. Power down and unplug any electrical devices in the area where the water has flooded. If you find standing water, wear rubber boots with insulation for extra protection when walking through the area.

Protect Your Stuff

Any belonging that can be removed from the flooded area should be removed as quickly as possible. Furniture, clothing, electronics – get them to dry ground to avoid any excess damage.

Call In a Plumber

It’s time to call in the professionals. Call in a trusted plumber to help you deal with the burst pipe. There are plumbers that work on 24 hour emergency calls, should the need arise.

Contact McMahon Services For Water Damage Restoration

At McMahon Services, we are the Chicago area’s go to water damage restoration company. We provide services that will help you remove the excess water from your walls, ceiling, floors and other areas that are damaged by the flooding. Our teams specialize in water removal, dry out, and help prevent mold and mildew from forming in your home.

Run a Dehumidifier

While you wait for the professionals to arrive, begin the water clean up process as much as you can. Try to get rid of standing water using towels, buckets, mops, etc. Then bring in a dehumidifier to get the excess humidity out of the air to help prevent mold from forming.

Begin to Record the Damage

You will need to start taking pictures and writing down the damage for your insurance claim. Depending on your homeowners policy, burst pipes may be covered – contact your insurance company to begin the claim process right away.

Contact McMahon Services & Construction for your Emergency Water Damage Restoration Services today!

We have crews available 24/7 to dispatch to your Northern Illinois home or business location for your water damage cleanup and remodeling services. We offer FREE damage inspections and FREE estimates to residential and commercial customers in our Chicago, Arlington Heights, Berwyn, Des Plaines, Evanston, Mount Prospect, Grayslake, Mundelein, Libertyville, Oak Park, Palatine, Wheaton, Naperville, Waukegan, Schaumburg, Skokie, and surrounding IL service areas.