Yakima is widely considered a semi-arid desert. The city regularly boasts its 300 days of sunshine every year, and the climate is mostly moderate and dry. While Yakima typically experiences a winter season that may bring freezing temperatures or snow, residents are accustomed to the warm weather and mild winters.
On the other hand, this only makes Yakima homeowners less prepared for unexpected cold snaps. Sudden freezing temperatures can lead to frozen pipes, roof leaks, and other forms of water damage. Even in a warm climate, homeowners need to be aware of the winter water damage risks to be on the lookout for.
Why Cold Snaps Are Especially Risky for Yakima Homes
In Yakima, cold snaps are often unpredictable. Homeowners may expect a mild winter because of the weather in past years, but this can leave homeowners vulnerable to serious winter water damage within their own property.
For example, Yakima homes may not be fully winterized due to the moderate winters, resulting in the cold air entering the home through gaps or cracks. This can put stress on the plumbing lines, even leading to frozen pipes that burst over time. Pipes on the exterior wall may also freeze, as these walls are more exposed to the cold temperatures.
Common Cold Snap Water Damage Scenarios
A cold snap can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. It’s important for homeowners to be able to identify cold snap water damage and understand how to act in emergency scenarios. Here are a few common cold snap water damage scenarios to watch out for.
- Frozen and Burst Pipes. Pipes can freeze quickly during overnight temperature drops. While the inside water becomes frozen, the ice typically expands and damages the pipe walls. Most of the time, the plumbing line only bursts when the ice thaws and the meltwater rushes through the damaged sections.
- Outdoor Plumbing Failures. Hose bibs, outdoor faucets, and irrigation lines are exposed to the freezing air. Any water left inside these plumbing lines during a cold snap can create cracks or damage, leading to a rupture.
Areas of the Home Most at Risk
Despite the mild winters, houses are always at risk of winter water damage in Yakima, WA. However, some areas of the home are more susceptible than others. Here are the most common areas of a house to inspect regularly in the winter.
- Crawlspaces and basements.
- The plumbing lines along the exterior wall.
- Garages and utility rooms.
- Kitchens and laundry areas.
Warning Signs of Cold Snap Water Damage
Homeowners should be able to identify winter water damage. Catching onto signs of water damage early allows homeowners to stop the situation from escalating. Urgent action can also protect your home’s structural materials and prevent contamination. Take note of the following warning signs of winter water damage:
- Reduced water pressure in faucets throughout the house.
- Frost may build on pipes exposed to the cold air, which could be a sign of frozen pipes.
- Water stains or discoloration can indicate trapped moisture behind the surface.
- Soft or spongy spots on the walls, floors, or ceilings can signal weakening structural materials after being exposed to moisture.
- Persistent and musty odors are usually a sign of mold growth or unwanted moisture.
How ServiceMaster Cleaning and Restoration by RBD Helps Homeowners
Water-related disasters can strike without warning, disrupting your life and livelihood. However, with the right team by your side, recovery is always possible. At ServiceMaster Cleaning & Restoration by RBD, our team provides reliable, high-quality restoration services to return your home to its normal condition quickly. We have technicians who are highly trained, fully certified, and equipped with winter-specific restoration expertise for Yakima homes. Here are some key steps in our water damage restoration process.
- Water extraction and drying.
- Dehumidification and air quality testing.
- Removing waterlogged items and anything unsalvageable.
- Cleaning, sanitizing, and sealing to prevent further damage.
- Detecting and eliminating hidden mold growth.
Professional Water Damage Restoration You Can Trust in Yakima
We are committed to treating your property like our own, because this is our community too. We’re proud to be locally owned and deeply rooted in the Yakima community, even making ourselves available 24/7 to help homeowners in case of an emergency.
Our local knowledge, expertise, and professional-grade equipment allow us to efficiently restore not only your property but also your peace of mind. Contact ServiceMaster Cleaning and Restoration by RBD for winter water damage restoration in Yakima.
FAQ Section
Why do cold snaps cause more water damage than steady cold?
A rapid and sudden drop in temperatures can catch plumbing unprotected, increasing the risk of pipes bursting.
Can pipes burst after temperatures rise again?
Yes. In fact, most cold snap pipe bursts occur when the frozen pipe is thawing. The meltwater will then rush out of the cracks or damaged areas in the pipe wall, leading to leaks.
Are Yakima homes less prepared for cold snaps?
Cold snap pipe bursts are more common in homes that aren’t prepared for the freezing cold. In Yakima, many homes are winterized for moderate conditions, not sudden winter extremes. That’s why having access to emergency water restoration services in Yakima is always valuable.
Is cold snap water damage covered by insurance?
Depending on the cause, maintenance history, and insurance provider, cold snap water damage may be covered. It’s best to talk directly with your provider and review your specific policy to help determine what is and isn’t covered.
When should a restoration professional be contacted?
The longer it takes for the water intrusion to be addressed, the more likely the damage will spread and intensify. Homeowners dealing with water damage should contact a restoration professional as soon as they can to limit the extent of the damage and reduce costs.
