Pool House Pipe Burst

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Water steadily dripping from wet insulation in the ceiling

When a potentially severe winter storm is predicted to pass through our area, homeowners start preparing their homes for freezing temperatures. Although preparing a pool house for low temperatures isn’t any different from preparing a home, it is easy to forget in all the hustle and bustle! During winter months, pool houses can sometimes become an out-of-site, out-of-mind responsibility. It is not uncommon for SERVPRO of Jackson/Crockett County to receive calls regarding large water damages to pool houses after a severe winter storm. 

Recently, we responded to a water call where pipes in the customer’s pool house busted. Unfortunately for the homeowner, the pipes were located in the ceiling, causing water from the busted pipes to flow down from above like a rushing waterfall and onto several stored belongings. Even after the water source was turned off and the contents were removed, insulation from the ceiling concealed the water and continued to drip. SERVPRO was on the scene to remove the remaining wet insulation and prevent any further damage. Our certified SERVPRO technicians extracted the water left behind and were able to restore most of the homeowner’s contents to preloss condition.  

Prepping Your Pool House 

• Pool House Temp.
  • Nights when low temperatures are predicted, keep the thermostat set at 55°F or above in your house and the pool house. Investing in a quality space heater can also be beneficial, but be mindful of how long it has been left on and check it regularly. 

• Open Cabinet Doors & Let Faucets Drip
  • If your pool house has a bathroom or small kitchen, opening cabinet doors and placing the space heaters in the center of the room can help keep the area warm through the winter storm. Leaving sink faucets on to drip allows water to continually flow through the pipes and can prevent it from freezing.  

• Know the Layout of the Pool House
  • Understanding the layout and location of the pipes in your pool house can help you determine the best methods for insulating your pipes.   

• Location of the Breaker
  • In the event of a busted pipe, the faster you can stop the source of the water the better! Familiarizing yourself with the breaker box before a disaster strikes can save you precious time and money!