As winter temperatures
plummet, the risk of frozen and burst pipes rises sharply, potentially causing
thousands of dollars in damage. According to the Insurance Institute for
Business and Home Safety, repairs for burst pipes can cost homeowners $5,000 or
more.
Much of North Carolina, from Interstate 95 west, is under a winter storm watch for Saturday afternoon through Monday afternoon. The National Weather Service is expecting that heavy mixed winter precipitation will pose risks to travel and power.
To avoid a costly
disaster, Consumer Reports and 5 On Your Side recommend taking a few simple
precautions:
- Keep garage doors closed: This is especially important if water pipes run through the space.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets: Allowing warm air to circulate around exposed pipes can help prevent freezing.
- Let faucets drip: Running a slow trickle of water can keep pipes from freezing. The flowing water brings warmer water into the pipe, reducing the chance of freezing.
The open faucet also relieves the pressure downstream of the freeze point, reducing the possibility of bursting another pipe.
- Maintain a steady temperature: While lowering the thermostat can save on heating costs, it should never be set below 55 degrees, even when you’re away.
If a water pipe does burst in your home, stop the water flow immediately by turning off the water at the main shutoff valve. Every member of your household should know where you main shutoff is located.
Older homes often have a gate valve, which you turn to the right. If you have a ball valve, it will turn just a quarter way to the right. When the handle is parallel to the pipe, that means it’s open. If it’s perpendicular, it’s closed.
One of the most effective and affordable ways to protect your plumbing is pipe insulation. Available at most hardware stores, insulation costs just pennies per foot and can make a significant difference in preventing freezing.
What to do if water is in your home
If there is water on the floor where you have plugged-in appliances, stay clear and contact a professional plumber or water cleanup service before risking electrical shock. They will turn off the breakers.
If you foresee water damage to wood floors, drywall or ceilings, an IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certified water removal company can help to avoid future problems like mold.
If your appliances have been submerged, components can sustain damage even if they appear to dry out later.
Make sure to contact your insurance company. It may be able to supply options for water removal services it works with.