It’s hard to think of a worse start to a winter day in Minnesota than turning on the faucet and … nothing. Maybe there’s a trickle of water, but it’s clear you have a frozen pipe. So, what now? Here are some smart tips to help you prevent or address what could easily become a very messy and expensive situation:
See to your outdoor water lines: Before cold weather arrives, drain water sprinkler and swimming pool supply lines, and remove, drain and store outdoor hoses. If possible, close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs, and open the outside hose bibs for draining. Keep them open so any remaining water can expand without breaking the pipe. If you can’t shut off the water from the inside, pick up some foam faucet covers.
Keep your home warm: Maintain an interior temperature of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even when you’re sleeping or not at home. Seal any drafts and leave interior doors open to help keep an even temperature from room to room.
Tend to those pipes: Leave the cabinet doors open in the kitchen and bathroom so your pipes aren’t shut off from the warm air. You can also insulate your pipes with sleeves, heat tape or heat cable. Insulation is especially important in unheated areas, such as your attic, basement, garage or crawl space, and for pipes running along exterior walls. During severe cold spells, you may want to leave all faucets, both hot and cold, running at a slight trickle.
Call in a professional: Frozen water in your pipes can cause them to burst, meaning you’ll have a mess on your hands once that water unthaws. So, act quickly to shut off your main water supply, and call in a licensed plumber to see to the situation.
Finally, be sure to touch base with us at Sentinel Assurance Group to check whether you’re covered for the damage a frozen pipe may cause. We’re happy to answer all of your policy questions this winter, and beyond.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, the second most common homeowners’ insurance claim is water damage to houses.  Leaking pipes and appliances, and damage caused by storms and  freezing conditions cause millions of dollars’ worth of damage every year. If a pipe leaks or bursts while you are on vacations, water can destroy carpets and furniture and even compromise the structural integrity of your walls or foundation.  Before leaving your home for more than a few days, prep your house so you won’t come home to a big, expensive mess. Here are some steps to take before you head out of town.
Step 1:Â Check your home for leaks before you leave. Â Look at the pipes under all sinks, and check your water heater for cracks and rust. Â The seals around your windows must be in good condition, and check that there are no dislodged or damaged shingles on your roof. Â Re caulk seals and replace shingles if needed.
Step 2: Inspect the hoses that connect to major appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerator ice-makers. Â Make sure there are no kinks; replace any old or damaged hoses.
Step 3: Clear all the debris out of your rain gutters, and check the downspouts for any blockages. {Better off doing this in the Fall before the cold comes.}
Step 4: Examine your sump pump and check that it is in good condition and clear of debris by filling the sump pit and running the pump. Â Listen to the motor for strange sounds and watch that the water is going outside. Â Install a battery-powered backup source in case there is a power outage while you are gone.
Step 5: Insulate exposed pipes to keep them from freezing in the winter. Â Hardware stores sell foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves that fit right over the pipes. Â Protect outdoor spigots by removing any hoses and covering the spigots with bib protectors. Leave the heat on low while you are gone to also prevent freezing pipes. {Do you have a Nest thermostat? You can control temperature from a distance with that!}
Step 6: Ask someone to check your house periodically while you are gone. Â Show where the thermostat is to ensure the heat is always on in the winter. Â Show where the water main is located in case a pipe leaks or bursts. Â The water main shut-off valve is usually in a home’s basement, garage or outdoors near the foundation.
Step 7: Turn off the water at the main if there is no one to check your house. Drain the pipes to keep them from bursting in freezing weather by running the water and flushing the toilets after you shut off the water. Leave the cupboards under sinks open while you are gone to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
We hope these tips make you feel more comfortable when traveling to your warm weather destinations this winter!
