Those who have experienced the misfortune of having a pipe burst know the devastating impact it can have on one’s home. The broken pipe itself is a relatively minor inconvenience, though the immense amount of water that flows from within can become quite a disaster. The running water leaking through your walls and ceiling may result in a major reconstruction project which could cost you thousands of dollars. Not to mention the damage that could occur to drywall, furniture and appliances. Gregg S. Marcus, a Long Island Insurance Executive suggests these tips to try and prevent this awful experience:
- It is important to plan ahead and investigate which pipes may potentially freeze. Prime candidates for freezing include water pipes that run through unheated spaces in your home as well as pipes running through walls to the outside of your house.
- Before the cold weather arrives it is necessary to turn off the water supply lines running to your outside taps. A shut off valve can usually be located near an outside wall out of which the water runs. You must then open the water line outside to be sure to drain any remaining water in the pipe.
- You should then check any pipes that run near outside walls. It’s a good idea to place some fiberglass insulation in between the pipe and the wall to keep the cold away from the pipe. The same should be done for any pipes that are located in crawlspaces which may not be heated.
- A third option is to install electrical heating tape, which you can find at your local home improvement stores, on any pipes that go through areas which are prone to cold, such as garages and basements.
A few other tips and warnings to consider: a hot water pipe in an uninsulated area is just as prone to freezing solidly as a cold water pipe; do not think just because warm water runs through that it cannot freeze. Also some insurance policies do not cover water damage caused by burst pipes. If you are planning to leave your home for a designated amount of time during cold weather seasons it is vital to drain all the water from your pipes and also be sure to turn off your water heater. If you live in Nassau or Suffolk county on Long Island in New York and you have any questions about how to prevent a tragedy like this, or to get a quote on a homeowner’s policy to protect it, contact Gregg S. Marcus today.
