Expect the Unexpected of Wintertime

1/16/2024 (Permalink)

Pipes are susceptible to breakage during deep freezes.

When you live in the southeast of America we can enjoy some great weather year round, but when things get bad, they can get really bad.  So we do our best here at SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and Dorchester County to prepare our community for those instances where weather can turn nasty and wreak havoc across the region.  During the summer and fall months we are in the height of our storm season, and hurricane season, which is a time of year for those living in the Southeast to be generally concerned about storm potential on daily basis, but it’s in the winter months when we can let our guard down, and be completely unprepared for those blasts of chilly air. 

Frigid temperatures are not typically seen across the South and in South Carolina we can go through mild winters where we don’t see many days, or nights of sub-freezing weather but when it happens it can cause a lot of trouble for properties that are generally unprepared for cold weather.  We do not insulate our homes and pipes the way those who see harsher winters may.   Which means we are more susceptible to freezing weather causing pipe breakage.  When that occurs flooding is imminent.  That is why it always really important to know who to call when your property has water damage caused by frozen pipe breaks.

SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and Dorchester County are experts in quick mitigation response and provide 24/7 emergency extraction services for water incursions caused by frozen pipes.  Whether the property is a commercial business or a residential home, we can respond to your disaster in minutes.  Across the area, from North Charleston to Summerville, and from Cane Bay to Moncks Corner, we have you covered for Emergency Services.  It’s incredibly important that your property is stabilized after a water incursion and dried out before the temperatures increase to warmer weather, when mold growth becomes a bigger risk for increased damage. 

The cold and dry weather of winter does not necessarily promote mold growth, so a moisture issue caused by a frozen pipe breakage might not seem like a big problem if the pipe has been fixed and most of the water has been dried up.  Make sure you have an expert like SERVPRO of Greater Northern Charleston and Dorchester County come out and do a moisture assessment to make sure all materials in your property are truly dry.  This will reduce any risk of mold growth when Spring returns, and with it, the warmer weather and humidity.

Always be prepared for freezing temperatures by making sure your critical infrastructure at your property is properly insulated and protected from cold weather.  One way to make sure your property is protected is to inspect your plumbing and add insulation where possible.  It’s also a good idea to keep interior faucets and spigots slowly running during freezing temperatures to assure the water maintains flow and does not freeze up.  You can also wrap spigots on the exterior of the property by wrapping them in cloth and plastic to help prevent freezing.  

If you think you have water damage caused by frozen pipes call us today for an assessment.  And for pipe breaks that have caused standing water in your property call our emergency response team right away.  Our team is ready to respond 24/7 all year long, call us today at 843.552.1226.