News of the Week 1-25-17
Frozen?
Some of the most severe claims that we have experienced over the years involve water damage caused by frozen pipes. The most common causes are
- Malfunction of the heating system
- Oil/Gas running out; including oil company
failure to deliver
- Setting thermostats too low
- Poor insulation
While some of these causes can be prevented others cannot. If you experience a frozen pipe the first thing to do is shut off the main water valve. If you are not able to determine where the problem is – contact a professional. Most expenses that result from a frozen pipe occurrence will be covered by your homeowners insurance but you will have to demonstrate to the insurance company that you took reasonable care to maintain heat.
If you are away from home there for days at a time during the winter season you may wish to consider installing a low temperature monitor that will alert you or an alarm company when the temperature in your home drops below a safe level. Other preventive measures that you should consider:
- Raise the minimum setting on your thermostat
during extremely cold weather so that adequate heat is maintained in remote
areas of the house
- Drip the faucets that are on exterior walls
- Increase insulation around vulnerable pipes or
use heating wires to keep these pipes warm
