Insulation Services Case Studies: Frozen/Burst Water Line - Leesburg, VA

Monday, May 13th, 2019 by Justin Dobson

Challenge

This Leesburg, VA homeowner had a water line to their outdoor spigot burst during winter months. The original builder installed the insulation improperly which lead to the burst water line. We were hired to fix it so it would not happen again. What many people don't understand is the insurance companies will not pay for any upgrades to make it correct... only "like it was before". Without Comfenergy's help, this could, and will happen again.

Solution

Comfenergy opened the rest of the wall and used closed cell foam spray between the exterior wall and the water line - not wrapping the water line, or insulating between the interior wall and the water line. The water line must be protected from the cold outside, yet still feel the heat from inside. After Comfenergy completes this properly, the homeowner can put their basement back together and get on with their lives with peace of mind.

Project Summary

Evaluator: Justin Dobson

This Leesburg, VA luxury town-home had a building error lurking in the basement that manifested into a burst water line during the winter.

This wall was originally insulated with Batt insulation between the interior wall and the water line. The thermal barrier needed to be between the exterior wall and the water line.