“Winter is coming!”, is one of the most repeated if not the most popular line in Game of Thrones.  Here in Texas, we get Game of Thrones style excited over winter, even though we typically have mild temps.  We do still get some winter freezes that can damage our castles.  And yes, winter is coming!

“Winter is coming,” means a lot of broken pipes and water damage claims.  No one really thinks that water causes a lot of damage, but it can cause just as much damage as fire!  So here are a few tips that may help keep you from having to deal with a winter watery mess in your castle, and if you do happen to have a broken pipe, what to do next.

Prep Plans

  • Wrap exterior pipes and cover any outside faucets
  • Locate all of your water shut off valves, including the main shut off.  If you have to use them, you will get to them faster.
  • Leave your inside faucets dripping to continue water movement
  • Open up any sink cabinets so the heat of the room reaches the pipes

What To Do After A Pipe Break

  • Mitigate Your Damage.  This means keep any further damage from happening.
  • Turn your water off.  Most of the time you will need to shut it off at the main.
  • Contact a plumber to repair the pipe.
  • Remove all of the water that you can.
  • Set fans up to blow air over the wet area.  Do Not Use a Heater.  Water+Heat=Mold
  • If you have severe water damage, contact a water extraction company immediately.  Things they may do:
    • remove wet insulation
    • remove wet carpeting
    • pop baseboards so air can flow into and dry out the walls.
    • set up pro-grade air movers and dehumidifiers.
    • If you are concerned about costs, you can roll up your sleeves and do these things yourself.  Lowes and Home Depot typically have air movers and dehu’s to rent.  However, if it is a severe loss, I would highly recommend letting a professional do their job. It may save you money down the road.
  • Take pictures of the damage before repairs are made.
  • Call your insurance company and get a claim set up under your homeowner’s insurance policy right away.  Your insurance adjuster will walk you through coverages and guide you through the repair process. 
  • Keep all receipts of expenses you incur due to the loss to give to your claims adjuster.

Even though Texas is no Winterfell, it still can get cold enough to cause turmoil on houses. So wrap the pipes, clean the flues, and service the furnace while winter is coming. Then get a cup of hot cocoa, relax in the cozy warmth of your chateau, and binge watch Game of Thrones when winter is here.