What is a frozen water dam and how you can avoid it

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

Frozen water dams are very dangerous and can cause significant damage to your property. If you don't know what they are, it is important that you read on! Frozen water dams occur when ice accumulates at the dam of a body of water. This accumulation causes an increase in pressure which leads to the dam breaking free from its mooring or base. When this happens, waves will move downstream with great force which can destroy anything in their path. Unfortunately, there is no way to fix a frozen water dam once it has happened so prevention is key!

Frozen water dams are dangerous, but you can do things to make sure they don't happen. First, be sure to remove all snow or ice from your dam. Second, don't let the water level get too high in your dam. If it's higher than the top of the dam put some rocks on top of it so it doesn't break.

A frozen water dam can cause water issues in your home if your dam breaks free from its mooring or base. The water will then rush downstream with great force and destroy anything it touches. To avoid this, remove the snow and ice before it accumulates at the dam, maintain a reasonable water level in your dam, or place rocks on top of the dam so that the accumulation doesn't break free.

Be sure to clear snow and ice from the dam; don't let the water level in your dam get too high; if it's higher than the top of the dam,

Remember, before the freeze comes - remove all snow and ice from your dam. Second, avoid letting water in your dam get too deep. If you see any potential for this (i.e., when river levels start exceeding or nearing heights of dams), place some rocks on top of it so that buildup does not occur at the crest - which is where accumulation will result in a frozen water break.

To prevent frozen water breaks: Make sure there's no snow or ice at the center of your body of water (the most common cause). Keep an eye out for the unusually high rivers.

If you do experience a water issue of damages caused by a water dam call SERVPRO of South Nashville (615) 331-0200.