How to avoid burst pipes during cold weather
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- When temperatures plummet and snow and ice fall, the risk of damage to your home or property skyrockets.
"So, this time of year especially, one of the things that we talk a lot about -- we want to make people are aware of frozen pipes and just how dangerous they can be," said Raychel Adiutori, a spokesperson for Erie Insurance. "And that goes for homeowners and business owners, as well.”
According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during frigid weather and can cause thousands of dollars in water damage. That's why Adiutori reached out to Better Call 4, to spread the word to central Ohio home and business owners to take precautions now and avoid paying later.
"Enclosures like cabinets, vanities... Those can get cold enough to allow pipes to freeze," Adiutori said. "Look through your garage, take a look for any exposed areas there.”
That also goes for bathrooms, basements and attics.
"Bare pipes are definitely very vulnerable," Adiutori said. "So, wherever possible, make sure there's a layer of insulation between the pipes and the outer walls, and then inspect those pipes and insulate them with fiberglass or polyethylene pipe insulation.”
You can also do simple things now, such as:
- Keeping garage doors closed.
- Opening your kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
- Keeping your home or office at a consistent temperature.
Adiutori also suggested checking in with your insurance company, so you know what's covered under your current policy and what isn't.
"Make sure you've got the coverage for the winter-related risks, and ask, you know, if you have enough coverage in case of these severe events,” Adiutori said. "Because a lot of people just kind of assume they've got coverage for everything, and they don't know until it's too late."
If you do end up with frozen pipes, try to thaw them with a heat source. But be careful, because if it already burst, you could end up flooding your home, which will cost you money. So, get ahold of your insurance company and a plumber as soon as possible.