Frozen pipes can cause serious damage to your home or office. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) states that a single frozen pipe that bursts could cause more than $5,000 worth of damage.
In this blog post, we’ll share a few actions to take for preventing water damage when the temperature drops below freezing.
Before a Freeze
Make sure that your accessible pipes are insulated prior to colder temperatures. If you don’t know what kind of pipe insulation to use, you can get assistance at a local hardware store to find insulation that works for your home. You’ll want to insulate pipes in unheated areas, like your garage, and in areas where pipes are located near exterior walls (often under kitchen or bathroom sinks). Use a sealant or caulk that is approved for exterior use to fill cracks and holes on your house’s outdoor walls. (Be sure to read instructions; caulk often needs to be applied when it’s at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
When It’s Cold
Check the weather report frequently to stay prepared for winter advisories and freezing temperatures. When it gets very cold, keep exterior doors to unheated spaces closed. If the kitchen or bathroom pipes are near exterior walls, keep the cabinet doors open and use a fan to move warmer air around the pipes. Let the water taps drip slowly when it’s extremely cold. This will help keep the water from freezing. It will also relieve pressure in the pipes if some water does freeze.
Check the Pipes
If you’re not sure if a pipe has frozen, you can try turning on each faucet. If the water is only a trickle or the tap doesn’t work, you may have a frozen pipe. You can try thawing the pipe by leaving the faucet on and using a blow dryer to help heat the pipe until the water starts flowing again. If you’re unable to find the frozen pipe or aren’t comfortable with the DIY method, contact a plumber.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to water damage from a frozen pipe, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
