Tag: frozen pipe prevention

Prevent Pipes From Freezing

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Cold temperatures can cause water pipes to freeze and cause the pipe to burst and likely lead to serious flooding, if no one is home. The best prevention against frozen pipes is to keep them warm enough to stay above the freezing point. Here’s four simple tips to help.

Turn up your heat. Now is not the time to reduce home temperatures.

Open bathroom and/or kitchen cabinets. If your sinks are near an outside wall, it’s a good idea to leave your cabinet doors open so that warmer room temperatures can flow into area.

Allow the faucets to drip. Water moving through your water lines should prevent the line from freezing. 

Use a space heater.  A space heater in rooms that are prone to frozen water lines, but make sure you’re home when using. Do not leave unattended.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

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Avoid having to do this.

Increase precautions when the temperature drops

Temporary measures:

  1. During extended periods of sub-freezing temperatures, increase thermostat settings to at least 60 degrees F throughout the home to help ensure adequate temperatures are maintained in colder spots.
  2. Open bathroom or kitchen cabinet doors that run along outside walls so that warmer room air can circulate through them. If you have pets or children, be mindful of chemicals stored in the cabinets.
  3. To prevent exterior faucets from freezing, shut them off from inside the home and drain remaining water from pipes. Exterior irrigation systems should be winterized.
  4. Still water freezes faster than running water. During periods of low usage and on frigid nights, turn on a faucet at the highest point in the home.  Keep the water stream low, so that only a small amount can trickle through pipes running through cold spaces.
  5. If the water meter is operating but your water in not running, you may have a frozen pipe. Once the pipe thaws, it could burst.  If you discover a frozen pipe, close the main water shut-off valve and call a plumber immediately.
  6. If you’re away from home for extended periods of time, turn off the water. This may not prevent frozen pipes, but it can significantly reduce the damage.

Permanent measures:

  1. Install an automatic shut-off system designed to stop water flow when a leak occurs. Contact your independent insurance advisor for additional information and a list of approved devices.
  2. Add several low temperature sensors to your central station alarm system. Place them in remote areas of your home.

If damage occurs:

In the event of water damage, take the following steps immediately to minimize the impact:

  1. Locate the main water shut-off valve and close it.
  2. Call an emergency service restoration company to facilitate repairs and stare the dry-out process.
  3. Move undamaged items away from affected area.
  4. Contact your insurance agent, or the emergency contact number.

Source:  AIG Private Client Group

 

 


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