Staying Ahead of Winter Hazards in Rural Homes
Winters in Northeastern Pennsylvania can be intense. While not every season is harsh, winter conditions can create serious problems for homes, such as frozen pipes, rooftop ice dams, and ice blockages in plumbing. Older farmhouses and rural homes in Dalton are particularly vulnerable. Pennsylvania’s frequent freeze-thaw cycles and heavy snow can threaten plumbing, roofs, and basements at the same time.
Unexpected Places Cold Air Sneaks into Your Home
Cold air can penetrate houses where certain areas aren’t properly insulated. Certain parts of a house are commonly exposed to exterior temperatures like crawl spaces, attics, basements, exterior walls, and unheated rooms. These are often also the areas where there is less insulation, amplifying the risk of frozen pipes.
Without proper insulation, pipes can freeze and thaw, leading to leaks or a burst. Construction gaps can also further expose pipes to exterior temperatures. There can be gaps around windows, doors, or cracks in the foundation.
The Hidden Dangers of Ice Dams and Winter Blockages
Dalton winters can impact homes in various ways. The cold air can disrupt water flow and damage homes. There are three main hidden water threats from winter weather: rooftop ice dams, frozen gutters, and ice blockages in plumbing.
- Rooftop ice dams. When snow lands on the roof of a house, the warm air from inside melts the snow. The meltwater falls down the roof and refreezes on the edges, creating a dam that traps roof water. As water builds up on the roof, moisture can seep in through the shingles and lead to interior leaks.
- Frozen gutters. In the winter, gutters can fill with snow and ice. This prevents gutters from being able to direct meltwater away from the house. As a result, water may pool near the foundation or spill over the edges.
- Ice blockages in plumbing. Pipes carrying water can freeze when exposed to cold temperatures. In poorly insulated or heated areas of a house, water inside pipes can freeze and create ice blockages. These blockages can stop water flow, increasing the water pressure against the frozen pipes.
If melted snow is not directed away from the house, it will saturate the soil around the foundation. Water often continues to move through the soil and will build up against foundation walls. This can lead to moisture seeping into your basement and affecting nearby pipes.
Early Water Damage Detection: What Homeowners Need to Know
Basement water intrusions are a serious concern in Dalton. In the winter, snow accumulates around homes and melts when temperatures rise. And since the soil is typically frozen during the winter, the meltwater can flow toward the foundation of the house. If the soil isn’t frozen, it will become saturated and hydrostatic pressure can force water into cracks in the foundation or through basement wall seams.
Meltwater may seep into the foundation walls through fractures and gaps, potentially causing basement leaks. Many homes rely on sump pump systems to help prevent basement flooding. However, if these systems fail, water may rise quickly.
Pennsylvania’s persistent freeze-thaw cycles can also contribute to basement flooding. Pipes that are exposed to cold temperatures can freeze, and expanding ice may apply pressure on the pipe walls. This often leads to cracks and fractures developing that become water leaks when the ice thaws.
How Extreme Cold Targets Your Plumbing System
It’s important for homeowners to understand the risks of winter. There are vulnerabilities in plumbing systems that can cause devastating floods if left unaddressed. Here are some common plumbing vulnerabilities in the winter.
- Copper pipes are rigid and can easily crack under pressure.
- PEX pipes are more flexible than copper and can handle expanding ice better. However, they can still crack and create leaks.
- A water main is the main pipe that brings water from the large supply to your house. Cold temperatures can freeze water coming through the water main pipe or even block the water from reaching the house.
- Outdoor hose spigots are typically exposed to cooler temperatures. They are directly exposed to cold air and can cause major internal pipe fractures.
- While a sump pump discharge line may help remove excess water in the basement, any failure in the system or ice blockage can lead to flooding.
Homeowners can take steps to prevent issues with their plumbing lines in the winter. Places with little insulation, such as crawlspaces or attics, require extra attention to avoid flooding in the winter. Heat tape, for example, can serve as an affordable preventive measure. They can also inspect their plumbing systems before the winter season.
Proactive Steps to Keep Pipes Safe
Speaking of preventive measures, homeowners shouldn’t wait until their basement floods to take action. They should be proactive in keeping their pipes safe and preventing issues before they even begin. Here are a few ways you can prevent your pipes from freezing.
- Identify and improve the insulation around exposed and vulnerable pipes.
- Seal the drafts or gaps that allow cold air to reach your pipes.
- Keep indoor temperatures consistently warm.
- Schedule annual inspections before the winter season.
- Open cabinet doors for more air circulation.
- Maintain a steady water flow during cold snaps.
Early Detection and Emergency Readiness
While prevention is always the goal, some situations are just unavoidable. When that happens, it’s important to recognize the red flags of frozen pipes and indicators that a pipe may be close to bursting early. Take note of the following warning signs:
- Frozen pipes may have frost or ice buildup on the pipe’s surface.
- Water flow may be weakened or blocked entirely.
- Unusual sounds when turning on faucets or flushing toilets.
- Bulging or swollen pipes.
- Unexpected moisture on walls, ceiling, or floors.
You can’t always notice a frozen pipe when you’re in a warm living space. Many homes have cold pockets where less frequented areas are still exposed to freezing temperatures. If you discover a frozen pipe, it’s important to act quickly. Keep the affected faucet open and use safe thawing methods, like an electric heating pad, hair dryer, warm towels, or a space heater. As the ice begins to melt, the flowing water will assist in thawing the rest of the pipe.
Handling Winter Water Damage Effectively
Sometimes pipes reach the point where prevention is no longer possible. They begin dripping water or, in some cases, may have already burst. This can lead to serious problems, including flooding and hidden water damage that may impact the home and its occupants over time. If you notice a leaking or burst pipe, here’s what to do next.
- Shut off your main water supply. The first priority is to stop the flow of water to prevent further structural damage.
- Turn off electricity in affected areas. Of course, water and electricity are not a safe combination. Any electrical wires or appliances in the area should be shut off to be safe.
- Move valuables and furniture out of the wet areas. Water can saturate and destroy nearby materials. Make sure to move anything of value out of the area.
- Mop or clean up water and soaked areas. Water can spread through the walls, ceilings, and floors. The longer the materials stay wet, the more the water damage can spread throughout the house.
- Document the water damage. Insurance will require proof of water damage to be eligible for coverage. Take images and videos to document the impacted areas.
- Call professional water damage restoration services. Properly restoring and repairing a home after a pipe leak involves multiple steps, and attempting them incorrectly can lead to even more damage. Contact professional restoration services in Dalton to ensure that the job is done correctly.
Rural homes in Dalton constantly face snowmelt flooding and deep freeze conditions. When frozen pipe issues occur, professional restoration is essential. ServiceMaster by Griffing has provided water restoration services for years. Not only can they repair visible damage, but they can also address the hidden problems that DIY cleanup often misses.
Maintaining Safety All Winter Long
Dalton’s rural landscape, mountain valley temperature swings, and old farmhouse insulation challenges make many local homes prone to winter damage. During harsh winters, it’s essential to minimize the risks of frozen pipes and water-related leaks. Proactive and preventative measures also allow homeowners to identify potential problems early and prevent costly damage.
When to Call the Water Damage Restoration Experts
Water damage not only hurts your valuable possessions, but it can also compromise the structural integrity of your home. Quick action and an expert response can make the difference between lasting damage and a successful recovery.
Professionals at ServiceMaster by Griffing are well-versed in water damage restoration and the unique challenges that face Dalton residents. Our team follows a highly effective and streamlined process to restore your home after a leak or flood. We have years of experience helping homeowners in an emergency, and we can help you as well. If you've experienced water damage in your home, don't hesitate to contact ServiceMaster by Griffing today.
