TH
E
presents
RESTORER
Vol MMXV, Issue 1
January 2015
Freezing and Bursting Pipes
Cold weather puts an added stress on people and structures, especially here in the southern part of the United States. A majority of
us just want stay warm and avoid “frostbite” and conversely buildings want to stay warm and avoid frozen pipes.
When liquid water changes into a solid water (ice) it becomes less dense, that is why ice floats, the solid form of most substances is
denser than its liquid form, so most solid materials will sink in the same liquid. The density of water actually decreases by about 9%
when it freezes. Looked at another way, water is expanding as it freezes. This expansion creates a tremendous amount of pressure
if the water is confined to a fixed space, such as plumbing. If it expands enough, the pipe bursts, water escapes and serious damage
results.
Surprisingly, ice forming in a pipe does not typically causes a break where the blockage occurs. It is not the radial expansion if ice
against the wall of the pipe that causes the break, rather the increased pressure that is built up downstream. Pipes that are
adequately protected along the entire length by placement within building’s insulation, insulation of the pipe itself, or heating or usually
safe. Homeowners in southern states and other areas where freezing weather is the exception rather than the rule need to abide by
the temperature alert threshold of 20 degrees Fahrenheit or below. However, incidents can occur when the temperature remains
above 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Pipes exposed to cold air, especially flowing air on a windy day, are vulnerable to freezing at
temperatures above the threshold.
Property owners in the south should be aware that pipes in attics, crawl spaces, and outside walls are all subject to freezing and
bursting. If these pipes do not have insulation or heat to protect them, a strong overnight freeze can cause trouble. The tips below
could help prevent damage from freezing and bursting pipes.
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Pipes in crawl spaces and attics need to be protected with insulation or heat. Pipe insulation is available in foam
sleeves or fiberglass. Typically you will find them to be 1/8 to 5/8 inches thick.
Heating cables and tapes are effective in freeze protection. When selecting a heating cable, make sure and select one
that has a UL label and a built in thermostat that will turn the heat on when needed.
Exterior pipes should be drained or wrapped in 2 inch insulation sleeves.
Doors on cabinets under bathroom and kitchen sinks should be left open during cold spells to allow the warmer air of
the room to circulate around the pipes.
Any exterior water hoses need to be removed and stored inside during the winter.
Pipes leading to the exterior should be shut off and drained at the start of winter. If these exterior faucets do not have
a shut-off valve inside the house, think about having one installed by a licensed plumber.
When the weather drops below freezing, let pipes drip slowly to keep water flowing through the pipes that are
vulnerable to freezing. Ice could still form inside the pipe, but an open faucet allows water to escape before the
pressure builds to where the pipe will burst. If the dripping stops, it may mean that ice is blocking the pipe. If this
happens make sure to leave the faucet open, since the pipe still needs pressure relief.
Hopefully we experience a mild winter, after all that is why most of us live in south Texas. If you are to experience a burst pipe,
please do not hesitate to give us a call. Our experienced staff will be able to mitigate any damages and preform any structural
repairs that may be needed. Until next time my friends, be prepared and stay safe.
The Gerloff Companies wishes each of you and your families a happy and prosperous New Year!!!!!
Reference: Insurance institute for business and home safety
January 2015
Events
January 1:
January 6:
January 8:
January 13:
January 13:
January 14:
January 14:
January 15:
January 15:
January 21:
January 22:
January 25-27:
January 28
New Years Day
SAMA Luncheon
ACA Luncheon
CAI Luncheon
SACA Luncheon
AAFAME Luncheon
IREM Luncheon
Austin BOMA Luncheon
CAMO Meeting
SAABE Luncheon
IWSA Luncheon
2015 TASA Mid Winder Conference
SA BOMA Luncheon
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Friday
Saturday
2
3
9
10
16
17
23
24
30
31
New Years Day
4
5
6
SAMA Luncheon
7
14
15
AAFAME Luncheon Austin BOMA
Lunch
IREM Luncheon
CAMO Meeting
21
22
11
12
13
CAI
Luncheon
SACA Luncheon
18
19
20
1
25
8
ACA Luncheon
SAABE Luncheon
26
27
------2015 TASA----- ------- Mid Winter----
GCI Remediation
Thursday
1
Visit Our Websites!
Gerloff Company
Wednesday
28
SA BOMA Lunch
IWSA Luncheon
29
------Conference---
For a Complete List of our Continuing Education Classes
visit our websites: www.gerloffinc.com or www.gcirem.com
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
SAN ANTONIO, TX
PERMIT NO 6450
14955 Bulverde Road
San Antonio, TX 78247
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Project Management
Reconstruction/Restoration
Fire & Water Restoration
Contents Cleaning & Restoration
Deodorization
Structural Cleaning
Demolition & Debris Removal
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San Antonio
Austin
Phone: 210-490-2777 Phone: 512-443-8822
Fax: 210-494-0610
Fax: 512-443-8877
Toll-Free: 800-486-3621
www.gerloffinc.com
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Phone: 210-490-7108
Fax: 210-490-7478
www.gcirem.com
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Phone: 210-490-2777
14955 Bulverde Road
San Antonio, Texas 78247
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Serving Texas Since 1985