Winter Water Damage

1/8/2025 (Permalink)

Water damage to your property can occur when pipes freeze and burst under very cold conditions.

In cold and snowy areas, winter water damage from frozen and burst pipes, ice dams on roofs, and structural collapses due to snow weight, can be devastating. The team at SERVPRO® of Kalispell can respond to winter water damage emergencies 24/7/365. With time being a critical factor for water damage mitigation, having a trusted partner makes all the difference.

Property owners and managers know that regular inspections are useful to prevent major water damage issues. Interior checks can include looking for discolored or stained ceiling tiles and walls, mold growth, cracked or wet windows, strange smells, and higher than usual utility bills. Exterior checks for large piles of snow in direct contact with the buildings foundation, cracks on exterior walls, and significant snow accumulation on roofs, especially in shaded areas.

Some useful tips to reduce the likelihood of bursting pipes are to run water through seldom used bathroom fixtures inside the home or business. Flush toilets and run both the sink and shower for a few minutes. If you plan to leave the property for an extended time, shut off the water main, then open all the faucets so that they drain completely. Don’t turn off your heat, instead, turn it down very low. Check outside for potential problems. Disconnect and store garden hoses, make sure the sprinkler system is turned off and the lines are drained, and check your hose bibs to make sure they are the frost-free type.

Inspect crawlspaces and basements closely. Water pipes should be insulated, and the temperature must be warm enough to prevent anything from freezing. If you discover puddles or standing water, have it pumped out and the area dried as soon as possible. Standing water can attracts pests, insects, and lead to mold growth.

When you shovel or blow snow, make sure it does not pile up close to the structure. Large piles of snow in direct contact with the foundation will melt at an uneven rate, when the weather warms up, often leaving flowing water trapped. If your foundation has any cracks, water can settle there and expand the crack each time the temperature drops below freezing. In this case, a small problem can grow into a big problem over time. Use a snow rake to remove large quantities of snow from roofs when possible. If a significant amount builds up, you may need to contact a professional to clear the weight.