Cold Winter Temperatures Can Lead to Frozen Pipes
James Rode
During the winter months when temperatures drop below freezing, there is the risk for pipes to freeze. When frozen pipes thaw, they can burst causing significant water damage. Burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during cold weather. If this happens to you, MLA Claims is here to help you navigate the insurance claims process.
Prevent Pipes from Freezing
The best prevention against frozen pipes is to keep them above the freezing point. Use these simple steps to reduce your exposure and prevent the pipes in your home or business from freezing.
Maintain heat in your home or business building at all times. Keep the thermostat set no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even if you plan to be away during the cold winter months.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
Adequately insulate pipes located against exterior walls in unheated areas of your home such as attics, basements and crawl spaces. Heat tape or pipe insulation are inexpensive and can be found at your local hardware or home improvement store.
Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
Power outages can happen during a winter storm. If your power goes out and the indoor temperature drops to 55 degrees Fahrenheit or below, open your faucets slightly so they constantly drip. This will help prevent the pipes from freezing.
For a pipe that does break, it is critical to immediately turn off the water at the main shutoff valve and call a plumber.
If your home or business sustains substantial water damage from frozen pipes bursting, contact us immediately. Our team of licensed property insurance professionals will assist you throughout the complicated insurance claims process and work to maximize your insurance recovery.