Winter Woes: Bursting Pipes

Cold weather can bring with it exciting traditions, whether that be curling up in front of the fire or getting outside to enjoy winter sports. When weather moves from cold to freezing, however, it brings with it the potential for disaster within your home, in the form of frozen pipes.

The Scope of the Problem
An estimated quarter of a million households will deal with a frozen pipe this year. Homes and businesses are damaged and lives interrupted every winter due to a frozen pipe that has burst. A pipe crack an eighth of an inch long can release more than 200 gallons of water daily. Imagine the effects of 200 one-gallon jugs of water dumped into your home or business. That’s a lot of water!

Why Are Frozen Pipe Such a Big Deal?
When water freezes, it expands. When the water in your pipes freezes, that expansion can cause pressure to build up in your pipes. Pressure can lead to a pipe breaking.

Preventing Pipes from Freezing
Leave your faucets dripping to keep water moving through the pipe and to keep pressure from building up.

Set your heat to at least above 60, even when you’re not at home. Open cabinet doors below sinks to allow heat to circulate.

Be sure to wrap all pipes in unheated areas with insulating tape or electric heat tape. Basements, garages and attics are prime spots to check.

If a Pipe Freezes
Act quickly (and carefully) to thaw out the pipe and keep it from bursting.

Use a blow drier, starting from the most frozen section of the pipe, to unthaw. Never use an open flame to try to melt an ice clog.

If water starts leaking from a pipe after it gets warmer, the pipe has burst from the pressure of expanding ice. You’ll need to shut off the water to the broken pipe as quickly as possible to minimize water damage.

In the unfortunate event that you do experience a burst pipe in your home or business this winter season, the service professionals at Rainbow International® can help remove any signs of unwanted water.

Bursting Pipes. Water Everywhere?
If a certified water damage professional does not assess and begin remediation immediately, simple water damage can quickly turn into a costly reconstruction project.

Rapid Response is Absolutely Critical

Within minutes:

  • water contamination spreads to unaffected areas
  • stains released from furniture discolor carpet permanently
  • moisture sensitive furniture turns white

Within hours:

  • furniture in direct contact with water delaminates, swells, and begins to split
  • sheetrock swells and disintegrates
  • bacterial odor (souring) becomes apparent

Within weeks:

  • mold associated with prolonged dampness penetrates the organic host materials (jute backings, paper covering on sheetrock, paneling, wood, etc)

Quick Response Saves Money

Rapid Structural Drying

  • Faster drying, less invasive, less inconvenience
  • Save hardwood floors
  • Documentation showing structure has returned to pre-loss condition
  • IICRC Certified Professionals

Call Rainbow International first. We'll respond in a fast, friendly and professional manner.


Visit the Rainbow International of NWI Website
1152 Marsh Street, Suite F
Valparaiso, IN 46385
219.462.7900