BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – As temperatures drop this week following the winter storm, AAA Insurance is encouraging homeowners to take preventive measures to protect themselves from the costly damage caused by burst pipes.
“This week’s severe winter weather can have devastating effects not only on roads, but also on homes,” said Lori Weaver Hawkins, public affairs manager for AAA Blue Grass. “Knowing how to protect your plumbing, what to do if your pipes burst, and how to handle your insurance claim is key to surviving the potential impact of the Arctic cold on your home.”
Both plastic and copper pipes are at risk of freezing due to sudden drops in temperature, poor insulation, or incorrect thermostat settings. A crack as small as 1/8 inch can leak up to 250 gallons of water per day, causing flooding, severe structural damage and possible mold growth.
AAA Tips to Avoid Frozen Pipes
- Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shutoff valve is and how it works.
- Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic.
- Seal gaps around pipes that allow cold air inside. You should also pay attention to air leaks near electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out.
- Disconnect garden hoses. If possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outdoor faucets. This reduces the chance of pipes freezing inside the home.
- If severe cold is forecast, consider allowing warm water to drip gently overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall. Even a slight trickle can prevent your pipes from freezing.
- If there is a risk of freezing, do not turn down the thermostat before bed. Instead, keep the same attitude day and night. Temperature drops that occur more frequently overnight can freeze your pipes.
- Open cupboard doors. This allows heat to enter the uninsulated pipes located under sinks.
- If you are going on vacation or leaving your home for an extended period of time, consider keeping the heating to a minimum to prevent freezing.
AAA Tips for Restoring Frozen Pipes
- If you turn on your faucet and nothing comes out, your pipes are probably frozen.
- You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe using a hair dryer. Start by warming the section of pipe closest to the faucet, then work your way to the coldest part of the pipe.
- Never use a hairdryer or other electrical appliances in areas with standing water. You could suffer an electric shock.
- Never attempt to thaw a pipe with a flashlight or other open flame. It could cause a fire.
AAA tips for burst pipes
- If your pipes burst, first close the main water valve and then clean the water. You don't want the water to cause any more damage than it has already done.
- Call your insurance company's claims department as soon as possible. An insurance adjuster does not have to see the accident before taking action. However, he or she will want to inspect any damaged items.
- Make temporary repairs and take other measures to protect your property from further damage. Remove any carpets and furniture that could be further damaged by water intrusion.
AAA tips for managing your home insurance claims
- Make a list of damaged items and take photos.
- Check with your agent or insurance company so you can be sure of what your policy covers.
- Keep receipts for your expenses – including additional living expenses if you have to leave your home until repairs are completed – and submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement.
- Standard homeowners insurance covers most types of damage caused by a freeze. For example, most policies cover damage caused when home pipes freeze and burst, or when ice forms in gutters and causes water to pool under roof shingles and seep into the home. You're also covered if your home is damaged by the weight of snow or ice.
- If your home suffers water damage, it is important to ensure it is properly dried and repaired to prevent potential mold problems. Remember that mold cannot survive without moisture.
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