When the Pipes Crack: IICRC Tips to Prevent Water Damage
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification offers advice on how to deal with cracked pipes and tips to prevent frozen pipes during subfreezing temperatures.
Vancouver, WA, January 05, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Every year the combination of winter storms and frozen pipes causes millions of dollars in water damage to homes and buildings.
"Any time the temperature drops below 32 degrees, there is the potential risk of frozen pipes, particularly indoor pipes located in poorly insulated areas such as the attics, crawl spaces and basements," said Jeff Bishop, Technical Advisor for the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. “Water damage can occur if cracked pipes are not caught quickly. This is a potential nightmare, particularly as people travel for holiday vacations.”
When water damage results from cracked pipes, the IICRC offers these tips for clean-up:
• Shut off the main water valve, if practical, and call a plumber to fix the leak.
• Call an IICRC-certified professional water restoration firm immediately for mitigation services, as required by your insurance policy. Certified Firms have the knowledge, experience and equipment to locate water wherever it goes, remove the excess, and dry your structure to industry standards. Call the IICRC hotline at (800) 835-4624, or go to www.CertifiedCleaners.org for a list of certified restorers in your area.
• Mop up standing water on flooring surfaces to prevent slip/fall hazards. If the burst pipe is overhead, drain ceiling cavities by punching “weep” holes.
• Prevent mold growth. Although it takes a few days to appear, mold thrives on wood, paper, particle board or even household soil, when stagnant air, moisture, and temperatures between 68 and 86 degrees are present.
• Wet clothing usually is salvageable. A 10-minute wash cycle in detergent and hot water should sanitize washable clothing and many household fabrics.
• Dry out before you rebuild. Professional water restorers have a variety of instruments to determine when a building is dry, to prevent on-going microbial growth. Drying should not stop until wood or drywall moisture content (MC) falls below 16 percent MC. Normal MC is around 10 percent in most areas of the country.
• Beware of scam artists targeting storm victims. The IICRC requires its registrants to have liability insurance and business licenses, and to adhere to a code of ethics. When approached by any company for water restoration services, ask to see the technician’s official IICRC wallet card that confirms his or her training and certification. You may also call the IICRC hotline (800.8335.4624) to confirm the certification of a company that has contacted you.
To Prevent Frozen Pipes
• Wrap electrical heating tape on exterior pipes. Remove garden hoses from faucets.
• Cover pipes with foam rubber or fiberglass insulation and secure it with tape.
• Let cold and hot water faucets drip. Running water helps prevent freezing pipes and reduces pressure build up in them.
• Inside the home, open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to promote warm air circulation around plumbing.
• Leave the thermostat at the same temperature both day and night, at least 55°F.
To Thaw Frozen Pipes
• Locate the problem pipe, if possible, and open a faucet. As the pipe thaws, running water aids the melting process.
• Apply heat to the frozen section using a hand-held hair dryer or portable electric space heater. Do not use a blow torch as it could cause the pipe to explode. Do not use a propane or kerosene heater as these are hazardous for indoor use.
• If you are unable to locate or access the frozen pipe area, call a licensed plumber.
• If all else fails and you experience a burst pipe resulting in water damage, shut off the main water valve and contact a professional water damage restoration company with trained technicians and extraction, drying and dehumidifying equipment. Call the IICRC hotline at (800) 835-4624, or go to www.CertifiedCleaners.org for a list of certified restorers in your area.
About the IICRC:
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the foremost authority in certification and standard setting for the inspection, cleaning and restoration service industries since 1972. With more than 46,000 certified technicians and more than 5,500 certified firms representing over thirty countries, the IICRC is the leading resource for trained floor covering inspectors, interior textile cleaners and disaster restoration professionals. For more information, visit www.CertifiedCleaners.org.
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"Any time the temperature drops below 32 degrees, there is the potential risk of frozen pipes, particularly indoor pipes located in poorly insulated areas such as the attics, crawl spaces and basements," said Jeff Bishop, Technical Advisor for the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. “Water damage can occur if cracked pipes are not caught quickly. This is a potential nightmare, particularly as people travel for holiday vacations.”
When water damage results from cracked pipes, the IICRC offers these tips for clean-up:
• Shut off the main water valve, if practical, and call a plumber to fix the leak.
• Call an IICRC-certified professional water restoration firm immediately for mitigation services, as required by your insurance policy. Certified Firms have the knowledge, experience and equipment to locate water wherever it goes, remove the excess, and dry your structure to industry standards. Call the IICRC hotline at (800) 835-4624, or go to www.CertifiedCleaners.org for a list of certified restorers in your area.
• Mop up standing water on flooring surfaces to prevent slip/fall hazards. If the burst pipe is overhead, drain ceiling cavities by punching “weep” holes.
• Prevent mold growth. Although it takes a few days to appear, mold thrives on wood, paper, particle board or even household soil, when stagnant air, moisture, and temperatures between 68 and 86 degrees are present.
• Wet clothing usually is salvageable. A 10-minute wash cycle in detergent and hot water should sanitize washable clothing and many household fabrics.
• Dry out before you rebuild. Professional water restorers have a variety of instruments to determine when a building is dry, to prevent on-going microbial growth. Drying should not stop until wood or drywall moisture content (MC) falls below 16 percent MC. Normal MC is around 10 percent in most areas of the country.
• Beware of scam artists targeting storm victims. The IICRC requires its registrants to have liability insurance and business licenses, and to adhere to a code of ethics. When approached by any company for water restoration services, ask to see the technician’s official IICRC wallet card that confirms his or her training and certification. You may also call the IICRC hotline (800.8335.4624) to confirm the certification of a company that has contacted you.
To Prevent Frozen Pipes
• Wrap electrical heating tape on exterior pipes. Remove garden hoses from faucets.
• Cover pipes with foam rubber or fiberglass insulation and secure it with tape.
• Let cold and hot water faucets drip. Running water helps prevent freezing pipes and reduces pressure build up in them.
• Inside the home, open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to promote warm air circulation around plumbing.
• Leave the thermostat at the same temperature both day and night, at least 55°F.
To Thaw Frozen Pipes
• Locate the problem pipe, if possible, and open a faucet. As the pipe thaws, running water aids the melting process.
• Apply heat to the frozen section using a hand-held hair dryer or portable electric space heater. Do not use a blow torch as it could cause the pipe to explode. Do not use a propane or kerosene heater as these are hazardous for indoor use.
• If you are unable to locate or access the frozen pipe area, call a licensed plumber.
• If all else fails and you experience a burst pipe resulting in water damage, shut off the main water valve and contact a professional water damage restoration company with trained technicians and extraction, drying and dehumidifying equipment. Call the IICRC hotline at (800) 835-4624, or go to www.CertifiedCleaners.org for a list of certified restorers in your area.
About the IICRC:
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the foremost authority in certification and standard setting for the inspection, cleaning and restoration service industries since 1972. With more than 46,000 certified technicians and more than 5,500 certified firms representing over thirty countries, the IICRC is the leading resource for trained floor covering inspectors, interior textile cleaners and disaster restoration professionals. For more information, visit www.CertifiedCleaners.org.
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Contact
Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification
Alonda Thomas
404-832-6786
www.certifiedcleaners.org
Alonda Thomas
404-832-6786
www.certifiedcleaners.org
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