Polar Vortex Coming = Frozen Pipes

1/2/2025 (Permalink)

Pipe bursts are very common in extremely cold temperatures. SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge is always here to help 24/7. We work with all insurance.

A polar vortex is heading to Northern Virginia next week.  According to Newsweek, a polar vortex is a stream of cold air that could mean severe weather conditions including heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures.  These freezing temperatures are below the normal cold winter temperatures and in many cases could cause frozen pipes to affect your home or business. Dale City, Lake Ridge, Woodbride, Lorton, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania will all be impacted by these extreme low temperatures.

What Happens When Your Pipes Freeze?

Frozen pipes can cause significant damage to your home or business including:

Water Damage: Frozen pipes can burst, causing flooding and water damage

Mold: Frozen pipes that drip for several hours or days can create high humidity which causes mold to grow

High Utility Bills: Your furnace may work overtime to compensate for inadequate heat which can raise your utility bills

Structural Damage: A burst pipe can cause structural damage to your home

To Minimize Damage, You Can:

• Turn Off Water Main
• Find the Frozen pipe, usually in basement, crawl space, attic, exterior wall, or under sink
• Open the faucets connected to that pipe
• Check for leaks
• Apply heat to frozen pipe, start from faucet side working way to frozen area (hair dryer works well)
• Call a plumber to repair burst pipe             

To Prevent Frozen Pipes, You Can:

• Keep Your Home Heated (If the heat is turned off you home owner's will not cover the water damage)
• Insulate Walls, Crawl Space, and attic
• Winterize outside hose bibs by draining the lines
• In extreme temperatures, open cabinet doors under sinks to allow heat to get in
• Maintain a small, steady flow of water in your water taps