FROZEN PIPES see what happens
Walking into a job the other day only to find that Pipes had frozen and split. This caused a serious problem with water just pouring into the house and causing all kinds of damage.
This video is only my response to the issue and how to stop the problem from getting worse. See how I quickly turn the water off and stop the flooding.
Transcript:
Frozen Pipes - See What Happens
Hello, this is Dennis from Home Rehab Pros. Today, I found myself in quite a situation. I was scheduled to assess this house for an estimate and wrap up some tasks. However, upon arrival, I discovered that the place was inundated with water – you might even hear it in the background. Allow me to illustrate the havoc caused by this water, followed by the steps I took to address the issue swiftly and cut off the water supply. This situation underscores the importance of understanding how to trace your water pipes. Let's delve into it.
Observing the Damage: As you can see, the water damage is extensive. Look at the effects here – the paint has buckled and separated from the wall, and the drywall has sagged off the ceiling. Water is flowing out, causing quite a mess. Let's proceed upstairs to investigate further.
Exploring the Cause: While I've already been up here and managed to address one issue, when I descended, I noticed that the leakage persisted from above. The bathroom on the third floor is the source of the water intrusion, evidenced by the water seeping through. Additionally, I observed that a fixture had come loose, leading to a significant water discharge. I promptly turned off the valve to stem the flow.
Tracing the Plumbing: Now, let's take a moment to discuss this predicament. Evidently, this is a significant concern. After turning off the valve, I headed upstairs to the third floor, where I encountered no water damage whatsoever. This leads me to suspect that the recent freeze has caused pipes to burst throughout the house, mainly on the second and third floors. Next, let's proceed to the basement, where I'll explain how I managed to shut off the water.
Basement Inspection: Upon descending to the basement, we encounter water on the floor. However, I must exercise caution as I approach electrical areas to avoid any potential risk. Notably, the area near the gas and electrical panels is dry. Now, I need to locate the water meter while being mindful of my surroundings. There it is – the water meter. As I reveal my approach, you'll see that I've navigated through the water to reach the meter. This is an essential step in resolving such issues.
Shutting Off the Water: I've reached the water meter, a critical point to be aware of. It features two valves, both of which I closed using a pair of pliers. These valves are located before the meter – they control the water supply to the entire house. I've also highlighted the corroded and broken valve, which needs replacement. Although it's not ideal, it served its purpose in this emergency situation. Furthermore, I traced the plumbing lines to better understand their path.
Mitigating the Problem: Tracing the plumbing brought me here, where I identified two valves. Upon my arrival, these valves were open, causing water to gush out. By turning them off, I effectively halted the water flow, preventing further damage. With this action, I've managed to contain the issue. Let's regroup upstairs and discuss the situation further.
Addressing the Situation: In summary, this is Dennis from Home Rehab Pros. Situations like these are regrettable, and it's unclear whether insurance will cover the damage – likely due to frozen pipes. Ironically, the heating system was operational, and this issue should have been avoidable. Nonetheless, I'm relieved that we've managed to stop the water and prevent more extensive damage. I appreciate your time and hope you never encounter a situation like the one I've dealt with here. Thanks for watching, and I wish you and your family all the best. Until next time!