Memphis doesn’t get many winter storms, but when they happen, you better watch out! Pipes can freeze, creating serious risks for your home, especially your flooring. When temperatures drop below freezing for extended periods, exposed pipes can freeze, burst and release hundreds of gallons of water directly onto your floors!
Damage happens quickly. Hardwood floors swell and warp, carpet soaks through to the padding, laminate buckles and even waterproof materials like LVP can suffer subfloor damage if the water sits too long. You get the point–the nightmare is never-ending. Understanding how to protect your floorings before pipes freeze and what to do if the worst happens can save you thousands in replacement costs.
Prevent Frozen Pipes Before the Storm Hits
You can start protecting your flooring before the storm. It begins by preventing pipe problems. Here’s our advice:
- Insulate Exposed Pipes: Wrap pipes in unheated areas of the home. Pay special attention to pipes near exterior walls or in unheated rooms.
- Keep Cabinet Doors Open: Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around pipes under sinks, especially those on exterior walls.
- Let Faucets Drip: When temperatures drop below freezing, let faucets connected to exposed pipes drip slightly. Moving water is less likely to freeze than standing water.
- Seal Cracks and Gaps: Check for air leaks around pipes where they enter your home. Seal gaps with caulk or spray foam to keep cold air from reaching pipes.
- Maintain Heat: Keep your thermostat at a consistent temperature day and night, even if you’re trying to save on heating costs. The money you save on energy isn’t worth the risk of burst pipes and flooring damage.
Following these simple steps will save you money on both plumbing and flooring repairs down the line.
Protect Floors in High-Risk Areas
Our Memphis flooring contractors noticed that flooring in some rooms is at higher risk than others during winter storms. Here are tips to protect the most vulnerable areas of your home:
- Bathrooms: Close toilet lids and place towels around the base. Keep bathroom doors open to circulate warm air. If pipes are in exterior walls, run a space (safely, never unattended) in the bathroom.
- Kitchens: Take cleaning supplies and items out from under the sink to let warm air reach the pipes. Place waterproof mats or plastic sheeting under sinks as a precaution.
- Laundry Rooms: If you have finished flooring, make sure pipes are properly insulated. Place plastic sheeting or tarps near water heaters, washing machines and any exposed plumbing.
- Unfinished Spaces: If part of your home doesn’t have finished flooring, water from burst pipes can seep into adjacent rooms. Make sure these spaces stay warm enough to prevent freezing.
Keeping your floors safe is essential in a winter storm. By planning ahead, you get a leg up on mother nature.
What to Do If Pipes Freeze
Did your pipes end up freezing? You’ll know if you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out. Here’s what to do:
- Keep the Faucet Open: Leave the faucet running. As ice melts, water needs somewhere to go and running water helps ice melt faster.
- Carefully Apply Heat: Use a hair dryer, heating pad or warm towels to thaw the pipe. Work from the faucet back toward the frozen section. NEVER use open flames, propane torches or other high-heat sources as they may damage the pipes or start fires.
- Call a Plumber: If you can’t locate the freeze or can’t safely thaw it yourself, call a professional right away. The longer a pipe stays frozen, the higher the risk of bursting.
- Protect Your Floors: If you suspect a pipe may burst, move furniture and rugs away from the area. Place towels, buckets or plastic sheeting to catch water if the pipe does rupture.
Pipes can freeze even with your best efforts. If you find yourself in this situation, knowing what to do will keep you from worrying.
If the Worst Happens
Even when you take the right precautions, pipes can burst during severe winter weather. If water damages your floors, it’s important to act fast. The first 24-48 hours are critical when it comes to minimizing damage and preventing mold growth.
At King Flooring, we understand how stressful water damage can be. If your floors are affected by frozen or burst pipes, we’re here to help you recover. Our team can help assess the damage, guide you through the insurance process and install new flooring quickly.
Stay safe this winter, Memphis. If you need us, we’re always here, contact us today!
