Michael L. Tipsord Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer | State Farm, IL
As temperatures plummet, the risk of frozen water pipes becomes a concern for households in both cold and milder climates. When the mercury dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, pipes can freeze and potentially burst, regardless of their material. This could lead to significant water damage within homes.
According to State Farm's claims data from 2023, the insurance company handled over 17,200 claims related to frozen pipes, disbursing more than $432.5 million. The average claim amounted to just over $23,500.
To help homeowners prevent such costly repairs, several preventative measures are recommended:
1. **Insulate Pipes**: Insulating exposed pipes in crawl spaces and attics can reduce their vulnerability to freezing.
2. **Use Heat Tape or Cables**: Thermostatically-controlled heat cables or heat tape can be used to wrap pipes. It is important to select products suited for either interior or exterior use and approved by independent testing organizations.
3. **Seal Leaks**: Sealing air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes with caulk or insulation helps keep cold air out.
4. **Secure Outdoor Hoses and Faucets**: Disconnect garden hoses before winter and use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from outdoor faucets.
5. **Let Water Drip**: Allowing warm water to drip overnight from an indoor faucet on an outside wall can prevent freezing.
6. **Adjust the Thermostat**: Maintaining a consistent temperature day and night may help prevent pipe freezing during extreme cold spells.
7. **Open Cabinet Doors**: This allows heat to reach un-insulated pipes under sinks near exterior walls.
For those planning a vacation during winter months:
- Set thermostats no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees Celsius) and replace batteries if necessary.
- Ask someone you trust to check your house daily.
- Consider shutting off and draining the water system but note that this might deactivate any sprinkler systems in place.
In case of frozen pipes:
- Contact a plumber if faucets do not produce water.
- Avoid using open flames to thaw pipes due to fire hazards.
- A hair dryer may be used cautiously as a heat source, ensuring no standing water or flammable materials are nearby.
- If leaks occur or pipes burst, turn off the main shutoff valve immediately while keeping faucets open.
By following these guidelines, homeowners can mitigate risks associated with frozen pipes during winter months.