Avoid Home Harm from Frozen Pipes

Texas Department of Insurance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6, 2010
News Unleash

Avoid Home Damage from Frozen Pipes

Texas weather may modification quickly, particularly in the winter. A quick-moving cold front can cause temperatures to drop below freezing inside hours. Out of doors pipes, pipes in unheated areas, plus pipes that run along uninsulated exterior walls can burst if the water in them freezes and expands. This may shatter pipe seals or the pipes themselves, sending water pouring thru your house. You are able avoid thousands of bucks of damage to your walls, ceilings, carpets, plus furniture by taking a few quick measures to guard your home.

Before the Freeze

· Shield faucets, out of doors pipes, and exposed pipes in unheated areas by wrapping them with rags, newspaper, trash luggage, or plastic foam.
· Insulate your out of doors water meter box and be sure its lid is on tight.
· Cowl any vents around your home's foundation.
· Drain and store water hoses indoors.
· Shield out of doors electrical pumps.
· Drain swimming pool circulation systems or keep the pump motor running. (Run the pump motor purely in a short freeze. Running the motor for long periods could damage it.)
· Drain water sprinkler offer lines.
· Open the cupboards below sinks in your kitchen plus loos to allow heated indoor air to flow into around the water pipes.
· Set your thermostat at a minimum temperature of fifty-five degrees, especially when you are gone for the day or away for an extended period.
· Let indoor taps drip; it isn't necessary to run a stream of water.
· Make sure you are aware where your home's shut-off valve is plus how to flip it on and off.
· If you allow city, take into account turning off your water at the shut-off valve whereas faucets are running to drain your pipes. Create sure you turn the faucets off before you turn the shut-off valve keep on.
· If you drain your pipes, contact your electric or gas utility corporate for directions on protecting your water heater.
If Your Pipes Freeze
· If a pipe bursts plus floods your home, flip the water off at the shut-off valve. Decision a plumber for facilitate if you can't find the broken pipe or if it's inaccessible. Do not flip the water back on till the pipe has been repaired.
· If the pipe hasn't burst, thaw it out with an electrical heating pad, hair dryer, laptop space heater, or towel soaked with hot water. Apply heat by slowly moving the warmth supply toward the coldest spot on the pipe. Never concentrate heat in one spot as cracking ice can shatter a pipe. Turn the tap on and let it run till the pipe is thawed and water pressure returns to normal.
· Do not use a blowtorch or other open-flame device. They are already fireplace risks and carbon monoxide exposure risks.

If You Have a Loss

· Contact your insurance agent or company promptly. Follow up as soon as possible along with a written claim to protect your rights below Texas' prompt-payment law.
· Review your coverage. The majority of householders plus renters policies pay for property repair. In addition, a good amount of policies pay for debris removal plus for added living expenses if you've got to move temporarily for the reason that of damage to your home. If you are able't get your policy, raise your agent or corporate for a copy.
· Owners policies may require you to make temporary repairs to protect your property from additional damage. Your policy covers the cost of here repairs. Keep all receipts and damaged property for the adjuster to inspect. If potential, take photos or videos of the harm before producing repairs. Do not make permanent repairs. An insurance company can deny a claim if you make permanent repairs prior to an adjuster inspects the damage.
· A good amount of householders policies do not cowl loss caused by freezing pipes while your home is unoccupied unless you used affordable care to take care of heat in the building; shut off the water provide; plus drain water from plumbing, heating, and air-con systems.

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www.utahburden.com Queries? If you've got queries concerning insurance, decision TDI's Consumer Facilitate Line toll-free: 1-800-252-3439 or visit the TDI website: www.tdi.state.tx.us. Help is offered in each English and Spanish.

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