It’s no secret that Michigan has some cold winters. Whether you’ve recently moved here or have lived in Michigan for years, it never hurts to brush up on cold weather safety. If you’ve never lived in a cold climate before, there are a few things you’ll want to know about frozen pipes. Otherwise, you could end up with a disaster on your hands.
Frozen Pipes Can Burst
When pipes aren’t running, water can stand still inside them. Standing water won’t cause any harm during warmer months, but when temperatures dip below freezing, that water can expand as it turns into ice. It can press against the sides of the pipe and depending on the amount of water, it can cause holes, cracks, and even burst pipes. Cracked pipes have flooded homes, destroyed basements, and brought mold and rot into formerly clean spaces. The good news, however, is that you can prevent pipes from freezing.
Preventing Frozen Pipes
Start by realizing that some pipes carry more risk of freezing than other pipes. Pipes that run through your attic or basement, for example, have much more of a freezing risk than pipes that run through the heated parts of your house. You’ll want to take care of those pipes first. Insulation, like the kind you can buy at a local hardware store, will help prevent these pipes from freezing. For other pipes, it helps to give them access to heat. Open cabinet doors that conceal pipes, and make sure that you leave your heater on, even when you leave the house. An attempt to save money on your home’s heating cost may lead to an expensive pipe repair job in the long run. You can also leave your faucets dripping to prevent frozen pipes. A dripping or trickling faucet means that the water is moving, and if it’s moving, it’s not standing still long enough to freeze.
You Can Thaw Some Pipes
Prevention is always better than damage control, but what if some of your pipes are already frozen? If your water pressure has slowed down, you might have frozen pipes in your home. Thankfully, you can thaw some pipes before they crack or burst. The dripping pipe method will also work on pipes that have already frozen, so leave some water running. You can encourage your pipes to thaw by applying a safe amount of heat. Hairdryers are a great option. So are space heaters, but be mindful of fire safety. Never leave a space heater alone, and keep it away from anything that might catch fire.
If a Pipe Has Already Burst
If you have a leak in your home that you suspect was caused by a frozen pipe, or if you have flooding from a burst pipe, contact On-Site Specialty Cleaning + Restoration right away. We have years of experience in restoring the aftermath of burst pipes. Our licensed and well-trained experts are ready to help you get your life back to normal. If you need emergency assistance, contact us now at (866) 584-5081.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lithium batteries safe?
Yes, lithium batteries are generally safe when used, stored, and charged properly. They are widely used in smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, and more because they are lightweight and store a lot of energy.
However, they can become dangerous under certain conditions:
- Overcharging or using the wrong charger
- Exposure to heat or direct sunlight
- Physical damage (like punctures or crushing)
- Manufacturing defects
- Poor-quality or counterfeit batteries
If something goes wrong, a lithium battery can overheat, catch fire, or even explode — this is known as thermal runaway.
Can a battery start a fire?
Yes, a battery can start a fire under certain conditions. This typically happens when:
- Short Circuiting: If the battery terminals are connected directly (e.g., by metal), it can cause a short circuit, generating heat that may ignite nearby materials.
- Overcharging: Charging a battery beyond its capacity, especially lithium-ion batteries, can cause overheating and thermal runaway, leading to fire.
- Physical Damage: Puncturing, crushing, or damaging a battery can release internal chemicals and cause a fire or explosion.
- Exposure to High Heat: Placing a battery near a heat source or in direct sunlight for long periods can increase the risk of fire.
- Manufacturing Defects: Faulty batteries may have internal issues that can lead to spontaneous ignition.
This is particularly a concern with lithium-ion batteries found in phones, laptops, and e-bikes.
Can fire damage restoration services help eliminate smoke odors from my property?
Yes, fire damage restoration services are designed to address smoke odors and eliminate them from your property. Our team at On-Site utilizes advanced techniques such as thermal fogging, ozone treatment, and air scrubbing to effectively neutralize smoke odors and improve indoor air quality. Additionally, we may recommend specialized cleaning methods and treatments to remove smoke residue from surfaces and materials, ensuring a thorough restoration of your property.
Can I remove smoke odor myself?
While DIY methods may provide temporary relief, professional smoke odor removal is recommended for thorough and long-lasting results.
Can lithium batteries catch fire when not in use?
Yes, lithium batteries can catch fire even when not in use, although it is rare. This usually happens due to internal faults or environmental factors.
Do lithium batteries only catch fire when charging?
No, lithium batteries do not only catch fire when charging. While charging is a common time for fires to occur—especially if overcharging, overheating, or using a faulty charger— fires can also happen during use, storage, or even when the battery is idle.