Preventing Freezing Pipes*
Frozen pipes can pose a problem anywhere temperatures hover around 0 degrees Fahrenheit. While the good news is that frozen or burst pipes do not endanger people, the bad news is that the damage to your home or property can be extensive –damaging floors, ceilings, walls, rugs and furnishings. Even a tiny 1/8-inch crack can spill up to 250 gallons of water per day. That’s why it makes sense to take whatever steps possible to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting.
Before freezing weather sets in:
- Review your homeowners insurance policy to ensure you have adequate protection and appropriate coverages. One of our agents can can assist you.
- Homeowners policies provide coverage for valuables, up to certain limits. For maximum protection, you should have jewelry, furs, silverware, fine arts and other valuables appraised, then scheduled separately to your policy. You’ll get the broadest coverage possible, with no deductible. Ask your Austin Insurance Group agent for more information.
- Take an inventory of your personal property. Document this inventory with a videotape or photographs. Store the information, and any other important documents, in a safe deposit box. Austin Insurance Group offers a brochure that will guide you room-by-room, through an inventory — call your Austin Insurance Group for a free copy.
- Make sure adult family members know how to shut off water and call a plumber if needed.
- Insulate pipes, especially those close to outside walls, in attics or crawl spaces where the chance of freezing is greatest. If you have an outside electrical water pump, don’t forget to insulate it as well.
- Wrap pipes with heat tape.
- Seal leaks surrounding or near pipes.
- Remember to bring garden hoses in and turn off and drain water to outdoor spigots at the cutoff valve.
- If you have an outdoor pool or spa, check with the manufacturer on how to protect it from freezing.
During a cold spell:
- Keep heat at 55° F. or higher.
- Turn on both hot and cold faucets near outside walls to allow a small trickle of water to run during the night and, if seldom used, during extremely cold days as well.
- Keep sink cabinet doors open to allow more heat to circulate around pipes underneath, particularly if located near exterior walls.
- If you need to be away from home, leave the heat on or drain your water system before you go. Ask someone to check your house daily.
If your pipes freeze:
- Open all faucets.
- Remove insulation and wrap pipes in rags. If possible, pour hot water over pipes, starting where exposure to the cold is greatest. If that doesn’t thaw them, call your plumber. Don’t try to thaw pipes with an open flame of any kind.
If your pipes burst:
- Shut off the water immediately to prevent additional damage.
- Take proper precautions to avoid an electrical shock from being in or near standing water.
- Call your plumber.
- Take an inventory of any damaged property or possessions. Do not dispose of any items without the prior approval of your insurance adjuster.
- In the event of a loss, contact your insurance claims office and a representative will assist you.
Note: Homeowners policies and coverages vary by state. An Austin Insurance Group agent will gladly explain the coverages provided by your policy and any regulations for the state in which you live.
*Source: Institute for Business and Home Safety, http://www.ibhs.org
Austin Insurance Group - 512-339-2900