Tips on how to prevent (or deal with) frozen pipes – Winnipeg

It’s that point of yr once more: chilly climate is taking maintain in Winnipeg, growing the chance of pipes freezing to the purpose of bursting.

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Blended weekend: Jan. 7 Manitoba climate outlook

This afternoon, the vice-president of Precedence Restoration instructed 680 CJOB in regards to the uptick in calls he’s acquired these days.

“It’s actually simply weather-based…. Over the previous 4 weeks, we’ve in all probability seen a 200 per cent improve in claims,” stated Andrew Feeney.

Nearly all of claims made concerned properties that have been vacant over the vacations.

Feeney stated householders who plan to journey when it’s chilly exterior ought to have somebody verify their place day by day whereas they’re away.

“Ensure there aren’t any water leaks upstairs, downstairs, verify the water sources, bogs, laundry, issues like that, and attempt to preserve to maintain the thermostat set 18 levels or greater when it’s chilly like this,” he stated.

“It’ll preserve these colder areas (of the home) from dropping under zero and inflicting pipes to freeze.”

It’s particularly important to have somebody verify in on the house for insurance coverage functions as nicely.

“We’ve seen some unlucky conditions the place a small or vital quantity of water injury turns into a not lined insurance coverage plan as a result of the house was not inspected whereas it was vacant so, very, crucial.”

For many who are coping with a burst pipe already, step one is to show off the water and promptly clear up.

“The important thing factor is to start out the drying course of immediately and mitigate any additional damages (and) forestall mould.”

In line with Feeney, shifting gadgets out of the affected room and inserting wooden beneath giant items of furnishings may save them from smash.

If nothing else, he confused the significance of being proactive all yr spherical when getting ready the house for chilly temperatures.

“It’s simply necessary to maintain your furnace serviced,” he stated.

“Have your furnace inspected no less than yearly by a licensed technician that can assist forestall any breakdowns which can be sudden.”