Frozen Pipes and Water Damage
47One of the most common home insurance claims during the winter months is for water damage caused by pipes that have frozen and burst. When the temperature drops below freezing, pipes in your home are at potential risk.
Though pipes can freeze, burst and leak anywhere in the homes, the most usual places for problems are in walls and basements. Keeping your pipes from bursting is easily prevented with just a few simple steps.
Keep your water tank and pipes insulated. Check for loose or damaged insulation and make repairs as necessary. Pipes and tanks that are separated from the rest of house are particularly prone to freezing.
Be sure the heat runs for at least a few hours each day, even if the place is not occupied. Use a programmable thermostat to keep the heat running during times of extreme cold.
Drain the water supply lines if the property is going to be unoccupied for an extended period. Shut off the main supply valve and open up all the faucets in the place to drain the water.
If a leak develops because of burst pipes, turn of the main water supply valve and call a plumber. Try to determine the location of the split pipe before help arrives. Water damage can be devastating and can become a breeding ground for mold. Be sure to have any water damage inspected by professionals.
H&H Environmental Construction and Consulting provides water removal services in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.
Lady Guinevere Level 5 Commenter 3 years ago
When we were passed down this cabin and rebuilt it to a house the very frist thing that we did was move almost all plumbing to the center of the house and replaced the copper pipes with PVC. We did have a frozen pipe this last week where it came into the house and it was -2 degrees outside. We simply used a hair dryer to unfreeze the pipe and there was no leakage or breaking of the pipe.