Fight Off the Freeze by Protecting Your Pipes
The current cold snap that has people across the nation bundling
up in extra layers can also take a toll on homes. Burst pipes
can put a damper on your spirits, not to mention cause costly
damage and inconvenience. And it doesnt take subzero
temperatures to put your pipes to the test; an outdoor
temperature of 20 degrees is enough to stress your plumbing.
All it takes is a few precautionary measures to avoid a
potentially messy and expensive situation, says Allstate
Communication Manager Tracey King. But in the more unfortunate
event of a pipe freeze or burst, there are steps you can take to
minimize the inconvenience.
Allstate Insurance offers the following tips to help you
safeguard your home before, during and after a pipe freezes.
Preventing Your Pipes From Freezing:
Disconnect all gardening hoses, shut off the water and install
covers on outside faucets. The covers are inexpensive and can be
purchased at hardware stores.
Wrap pipes that are near your homes exterior walls with
insulation or heating tape.
Identify the location of the main water valve and the valve on
your water heater so that, if necessary, you can turn them off
quickly and easily.
Close all windows near water pipes and cover or close open-air
vents. Freezing temperatures and wind drafts can cause pipes to
freeze more frequently.
Insulate outside walls and unheated areas of your home.
Sufficiently heat your basement and consider weather-sealing
your windows.
Keep the temperature of your home at 68 degrees
Open sink cabinet doors to allow heat from the home to enter.
Pipes under the kitchen sink are particularly vulnerable.
If you plan to be away for an extended period, shut off the
water supply valve to your washing machine. Have someone monitor
your pipes and the temperature inside your home.
Monitor the water flow from your faucets. Reduced flow could
indicate early freezing. Allow faucets to drip lukewarm water to
reduce the risk of freezing.
If
Your Pipes Freeze:
Shut off the main water valve.
Open all faucets to relieve pressure in the pipes.
Wrap warm rags around cold sections of pipe or pour hot water
on pipes. An inside faucet or pipe also can be thawed with a
good hair dryer, but dont use the dryer around standing water,
and dont use a blowtorch.
When thawing a pipe, start thawing nearest to the faucet. Make
sure the faucet is on so that melted water can drip out.
If Your Pipes Burst:
Immediately shut off the main water valve.
If a hot water pipe breaks, the valve on top of the water
heater should be closed.
Call a plumber. Keep an emergency number nearby for quick
access.
Call your insurance agent to report the damage.
