Why Water Pipes Can Burst in Cold Weather?

With unseasonably warm weather and the kids home with remote school, the summer season feels as if it has stretched into the fall. With that comes a false sense of security in terms of preparing your home for the colder months. The usual worry of turning off the outdoor shower, making sure the pipes are properly insulated, and winterizing the house has disappeared from your mind as you make your summer home your permanent residence. Even those who are familiar with the process have other things on their mind as we enter into another month of a challenging year. 

Despite all of the distractions of 2020, it is important to prepare your home, as it is now your office, classroom, and gym. A frozen or burst pipe can be detrimental to the safety and security of your family and your home. A flooded home can quickly ruin the excitement of the upcoming holidays and the budget spent on those heartwarming events. It can leave you out of a place to sleep, work and live when simply preparing your home could stop a world of damage. Often, when homes are not properly optimized for winter, disaster strikes, such as a burst pipe. When water remains in your pipes and the temperature drops, it causes the water to freeze leading to the water molecules expanding. This then pushes the water towards the faucet, creating a build up of pressure. Eventually, the pipe can no longer handle the blockage and it ruptures. 

As many families have moved from their primary residence to their secondary home at the shore, there are a few more risks associated with beach houses, as many have outdoor plumbing. Generally, these pipes are not insulated, which exposes the greatest risk of a burst. The second highest risk are the pipes that are in unheated areas, such as garages, attics, and crawl spaces. On LBI, most homes are only insulated or prepared for summer. The best way to prevent a burst and protect your family’s home is to call a professional.

Air Technical Services has serviced the Ocean and Monmouth county areas since 1999. They are experts in winterizing your home and ensuring your home will be safe as we continue to weather the storm of 2020. Air Tech offers reliable winterization services such as outdoor shower and sprinkler care, HVAC inspection, thermostat setting maximization, and more, along with 24/7 emergency service. You and your family can have peace of mind knowing the place that is now the main hub of your life is safe from devastation.