Wisconsin winters bring frozen pipes, ice dams, and snowmelt that can all lead to water damage. A little preparation in fall can prevent costly repairs later.
Steamatic of Eau Claire, operated by TRAC Solutions LLC, provides 24-hour restoration services in Eau Claire and surrounding Chippewa Valley communities.
Protect Your Pipes
Insulate pipes in exterior walls, crawl spaces, garages, and unheated basements. Disconnect and drain garden hoses and shut off outdoor spigots from the inside. Keep the thermostat consistent, even when you travel. Read our guide on what to do after a frozen pipe causes water damage.
Clean Gutters and Extend Downspouts
Clogged gutters can contribute to ice dams. Make sure downspouts discharge several feet away from the foundation so snowmelt doesn't pool against basement walls.
Watch for Ice Dams
Ice dams form when heat escapes into the attic and melts snow that refreezes at the eaves. Adequate attic insulation and ventilation help reduce the risk. Water stains on upper-floor ceilings can signal a problem.
Test Your Sump Pump
Pour water into the pit to confirm the pump starts and drains. Consider a battery backup for spring thaw and power outages. See our guide to basement flooding first steps.
Know Your Main Shutoff
Everyone in the household should know where the main water shutoff is and how to use it. Keep the path clear.
Address Existing Moisture Now
Musty odors or stains before winter may indicate an existing problem. Learn about our mold remediation and the signs of hidden mold.
If Water Damage Happens Anyway
Our water damage restoration team provides 24/7 extraction and drying, and our structure cleaning and repair services handle the rebuild.
We're Here All Winter
Steamatic of Eau Claire serves Eau Claire, Altoona, Chippewa Falls, Lake Hallie, Menomonie, and nearby communities. Call the 24-hour line so the team can assess the loss and begin the next appropriate step.