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How to Avoid Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes aren’t just inconvenient: if they burst, just a small crack can release hundreds of gallons of water into your home, damaging carpets, floors, walls, ceilings and anything else that happens to be in the path. Even if your Homeowners Policy covers damage to your home from burst water pipes, nothing can make up for the disruption, discomfort and loss of personal items. Frozen pipes have caused millions of dollars in damage to American homes over the last decade. But they’re easily avoided by following these simple tips:

Prepare today:
• Insulate pipes in your crawl spaces and attic. These exposed pipes are the most susceptible to freezing.
• Wrap vulnerable pipes with heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables. Be sure to use products that are UL-approved, and follow manufacturers’ instructions.
• Seal leaks with caulk or insulation to keep cold air from coming in near pipes, especially around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes.

During cold weather:
• Turn off outdoor faucets and disconnect hoses.
• Keep the house heated to at least 65 degrees. (A lower temperature will not ensure that pipes inside the walls are kept above freezing.)
• Keep the door open between a heated room and an unheated room to allow warm air to circulate.
• Keep cupboard doors open below sinks to allow indoor air to circulate around the plumbing.
• Turn on faucets (both hot and cold) until they drip slowly if you have any concern about pipes freezing, especially on very cold nights.
• Identify the main water shut-off in your home and try it before you have to use it.
• Keep garage doors closed. The door inside the garage leading to the house is probably not as well insulated as an exterior door.

If you go away:
• Set the thermostat to at least 55°F.
• Have a friend or neighbor check the temperature in your house daily.
• Shut off and have a professional drain the water system if you plan to be gone more than a couple of weeks.

If a pipe freezes…

…don’t wait for it to burst. Try to thaw a frozen pipeimmediately, by introducing heat to the space around the pipe with a space heater, hair dryer, heating pad or other electric device. (DO NOT attempt to thaw a pipe with a torch or open flame.) Start from the end nearest the faucet and work your way back. If your attempts don’t succeed, call a plumber.

Handling the worst-case scenario: a burst pipe

Turn off the main water valve, while leaving the faucets open, and call your plumber. To mitigate damage, place a receptacle or plastic sheeting to catch the water; clean up all water immediately; and remove carpets and other items that could be damaged.

This simple guide will enhance your peace of mind. If you have any questions about your homeowner’s policy and what it covers my office is always available to answer your questions and provide a free consultation.

Attorney Joseph F. De Leo is a lawyer with over twenty two years experience handling personal injury and other insurance claims serving the entire greater Boston area. He can be reached at jdeleo@deleolaw.com or by visiting deleolaw.com
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