Avoid Frozen and Burst Water Pipes This Winter
As a homeowner, you know how vulnerable your property is in the cold weather. Now that winter is right around the corner, you should make sure that your house can survive the season. One of the largest concerns for homeowners is frozen water pipes that then burst as this can cause a significant amount of damage to the property, foundation, and your wallet. While your
homeowners insurance is designed to protect your home from water damage, here are a few ways to
prevent burst water pipes in winter.
- Have your central heating system checked and serviced regularly. A leaking radiator valve can also cause water and damp problems.
- If you leave the house for a few days, leave the heating on to tick over to prevent freezing. Keep the heating on low to be on the safe side.
- Insulate exposed pipes. Don’t get the corners and elbows of the pipes as this tends to be where the water is most exposed.
- Insulate exterior pipes with heat tape.
- If it is extremely cold outside, keep one or two faucets running slowly at all times. When the water is moving through the pipes, it helps to prevent the entire line from freezing.
- Direct warm air to any colder areas of the home, which is most likely where the pipes are (think of pipes located near an outside wall or window).
- If your kitchen sink is on an outside wall, be sure to leave the cabinet doors open to allow warm air into the cabinet and keep the pipes warm.
- Disconnect the garden hose from the outside faucet and drain the pipe and hose from any remaining water.
- Seal leaks that allow cold air into your home where pipes are located. Use caulk or insulation to keep the cool air out.
To protect your home throughout all sorts of disasters, visit the team at C.V. Mason Insurance Agency. Our
home insurance policies work to protect residents in Bristol and neighboring cities in Connecticut. Give our experts a call for more information.
