Freezing weather is upon us and with it, a growing risk of burst pipes due to freezing.
According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, a burst pipe can cause more than $5,000 in water damage. Additionally, the Insurance Information Institute, reports that water damage and freezing resulted in the second most claims and the third largest average homeowners insurance claim for the years 2012 through 2016. The average claim amount for water damage during this time was $9,633. In fact, the Institute reports that each year, one in 50 insured homes report a property damage claim related to water damage and freezing.
If you’ve had frozen, burst pipes in the past, you know they are no fun to come home to or wake up to. To start the new year on a positive note, Security Specialists urges you to follow these simple tips to help winterize your home to protect against freezing temperatures which could lead to burst pipes.
- Make sure to close the indoor valves supplying outdoor water access points.
- Disconnect any hoses from the outside of your home and drain them.
- Cover your outside faucets with an insulating foam cover. Or wrap them in newspaper and duct tape, then cover them with a plastic bag
- Drain water from pipes that are likely to freeze. This includes your swimming pool and sprinkler water supply lines.
- Keep the garage doors closed to protect water lines.
- Allow your faucets to drip cold water on the coldest days. The movement will make it harder for the water to freeze.
- Open kitchen cabinets. This allows the warm air to circulate around the pipes.
- Keep your thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Never let it fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit when you leave your home.
