Damage
from frozen and broken water pipes can be a
homeowner's nightmare. When a pipe bursts, water
gushes from the pipe like a fire hydrant,
turning a basement into a lake within minutes.
Water from frozen and broken pipes causes the
most damage while people are away from home,
because the plumbing can rupture and water can
run unnoticed for several days. Repairs of
around $50,000 are common due to water's wrath.
Frozen
and broken water pipes are a significant cause
of loss across the nation. Damage can include
soaked and ruined drywall. Wallpaper turns
moldy. Kitchen cabinets warp, and carpet and
draperies can be ruined. Photo albums,
paperwork, antiques, furniture and clothing also
can be destroyed. Sometimes homes have to be
gutted because mold and mildew cover every inch
from floor to ceiling.
Unlike
hurricanes, frozen and broken water pipes are
preventable. Efforts to prevent pipes from
breaking in your home will save you from the
nightmares of water damage and help reduce the
enormous insurance claims that result.
Policyholders share the financial burden of
frozen and broken water pipes through increased
homeowners insurance rates. Obviously,
preventing broken water pipes is in your best
interest
According to the Insurance Information
Network of California, there are five easy
things you can do to protect your home from
frozen and broken water pipes:
1.
Disconnect all garden hoses and other outside
hose connections. If possible, use an indoor
valve to shut off and drain water from pipes
leading to outside faucets.
2. Insulate all
exposed pipes located in your basement, under
your home, on outside walls or in attics. For
pipes with northern exposures, use heat tape
according to the manufacturer's instructions.
(Improper usage may cause a fire.)
3. Set
the thermostat to at least 55 degrees even when
your home is vacant or unoccupied during the
winter. If you plan to be away during
cold-weather months, have someone regularly
check your home to make sure it's staying warm
enough to prevent freezing.
4. Winterize
sprinkler systems according to the
manufacturer's recommendations. Blowing out
excess water with a compressor may be the best
way to prevent frozen and broken pipes. If you
have a swamp cooler, winterize it by
disconnecting the water source and clearing the
line.
5. Very important is knowing how to
shut off the water supply if a pipe bursts.
Quick action can minimize damage.
Taking
these few precautions before the next freeze
sets in may save your home from the devastating
effects of frozen and broken water pipes.
Should
you ever need to file an insurance claim,
Insuance Claim 911 provides a helpful brochure
free of charge to help walk you through the
process. To request your free copy of "How to
File an Insurance Claim," please write to the
Insurance Information Network of California,
3530 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1610, Los Angeles, CA
90010.
