Extreme Winter Temperatures Result in Burst Pipes, Water Damage & Mold

Each winter, countless homes and buildings suffer water damage due to frozen pipes that have burst. This typically occurs during extreme cold weather or if the building’s heating system is not working properly.

When water in a pipe freezes, it expands and puts tremendous pressure on both metal and plastic pipes.  If the pipe does break, many supply lines can easily release a torrent of water into the building.  This water will gradually make its way to the lowest area it can reach.  This means a burst pipe on a third floor can cause water damage not only to that level of the property, but also to the floors below and even in the basement or crawl space.  Even sewage pipes under some conditions can freeze and burst allowing potentially infectious waste to contaminant a structure. 
 
No matter the source, water escaping from a burst pipe can ruin building materials, belongings and furnishing.  It can also result in structural damage and allow for the growth of mold. 
 
“The presence of mold can impact the indoor air quality for anyone in the building and cause everything from allergies and hypersensitivity pneumonitis to triggering asthma in those with the condition,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc.  “Some types of mold can even cause infections in people with a weakened immune system.  If the burst pipe contained sewage then there could be exposure risks associated with not just mold, but also bacteria, viruses, chemicals and other hazards.  Cleanup activities could even expose building occupants to asbestos and lead-based paints in some older buildings.”
 
For properties that do suffer water damage due to burst pipes this winter, EMSL offers sampling supplies and a comprehensive range of air, water, surface and bulk testing services for mold, bacteria, chemicals, lead, asbestos and other contaminants. EMSL also recently sponsored a video with information and tips for preventing water damage and mold from frozen pipes that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/2COWOL40RkQ.
 
To learn more about EMSL’s mold, lead, asbestos and other indoor air quality (IAQ) testing services, sampling supplies and field testing equipment, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (303) 740-5700 or email info@EMSL.com .
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) (856) 303-2503

Contact via E-mail