Each year more than 225,000 homes are damaged by water pipes that freeze and burst. A burst water pipe can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home, furnishings, important papers, photographs, and family heirlooms.
Even during a mild winter, frozen pipe claims on average can have more than $5,000+ in damages.
Larger claim losses can be $100,000 or more! There are simple ways you can help prevent these types of losses from occurring.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes:
- Insulate pipes in crawl spaces, attics and basements that are exposed to the cold. More insulation means more protection.
- Keep your kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
- Heat tape or thermostat-controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes.
- If you have faucets connected to pipes that run through unheated or unprotected spaces, keep slow trickles of water flowing.
- Always use products according to manufacturer’s instructions. Do not use interior-use products on the exterior.
- Remove and drain garden hoses. If the hose water-supply line has a shut-off valve inside the house, shut that off and drain it prior to removing the hose.
- Seal all cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes that allow cold air in, especially around electrical wiring, dryer vents and window.
- If your house will be unattended for any extended periods of time during the cold weather, drain the water from all water lines and pipes in your home.
