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$1.2 billion – this is how much winter storms and cold waves caused in 2017 insured losses, according to Property Claim Services. Keep in mind that this figure is only insured losses. Many more homeowners, unfortunately, were left out in the cold. A decent portion of this $1.2 billion is from water damage and freezing from problems like frozen and burst pipes – two things that can quickly become nightmares to any homeowner.

But you can avoid unpleasant plumbing surprises like these this winter by being proactive.

This winter, and every forthcoming winter, you can take steps to prevent a plumbing emergency that can cost you thousands of dollars. The best way to be prepared is to learn about common winter plumbing problems so you can quickly identify them when they arise.

The Most Common Winter Plumbing Problems

Even if it doesn’t result in water damage issues, you definitely don’t want to deal with a broken water heater in the middle of winter. Sediment can build up and cause problems in water heaters during the winter, so it’s important to have regular plumbing inspections before sediment builds up too much. Although the same problem can occur in the middle of the summer, it’s not such a problem to be without hot water for a few days.

Problems in your sewer lines and septic tank can occur at any time, but in the winter, it can be more difficult to fix these problems. When the ground is frozen and/or covered with ice and snow, the task of repairing or replacing this underground equipment can take a long time. This is something that should be addressed during a regular plumbing inspection before it gets cold.

The best way to keep your plumbing system running smoothly is to have a professional plumbing inspection done before problems occur. But if you end up with a frozen pipe or a broken water heater, don’t wait to call up your local plumber for help. Frozen pipes are arguably the most common winter plumbing problem out there.

Water damage and damage from freezing account for a collective 22% of all homeowner’s insurance claims — totaling about $1 billion in claims each year — and when you put these two problems together, you have one big plumbing catastrophe on your hands.

Pipes will freeze when high water pressure combines with freezing temperatures, thereby causing the water inside the pipe to freeze and expand. Once the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, pipes run the risk of freezing. The pressure of the ice will cause the pipe to crack, and even a tiny, three-millimeter crack can cause over 250 gallons of water to escape per day.

What to Do About Frozen Pipes

When pipes freeze, they restrict running water. So, if you turn on your faucet sometime November through March and no water comes out, you may have frozen pipes. It can be incredibly frustrating not having water to complete your routine tasks, such as washing dishes, cooking, washing clothes or showering. However, this is only the start of your worries if you have frozen pipes.

Water expands when it freezes, so if your pipes are frozen, they could also burst. The material of your pipe does not matter – anything from plastic to metal is susceptible to bursting. Learn more about what to do about frozen pipes, including how to prevent frozen pipes, how to thaw frozen pipes, and what to do if a frozen pipe burst:

Prevent Frozen Pipes

When it comes to frozen pipes, it’s all about prevention first and foremost. One of the most asked questions surrounding the topic of frozen pipes is: Does dripping faucets prevent frozen pipes?

Let’s discuss. Here are a handful of effective strategies to prevent frozen pipes:

In late fall: Unhook, drain, and store all water hoses and cover all outdoor spigots and exterior water pipes with insulated sleeves. Cover water pipes that run through your attic, basement, or crawl spaces with insulated pipe sleeves.In the winter: Keep your garage door closed if it has a water supply pipe in it. Keep your thermostat set above 55 degrees whenever you leave home – this is the minimum temperature to prevent frozen pipes.Does dripping faucets prevent frozen pipes? It certainly can. When temperatures drop below freezing, drip water from all faucets and open cabinet doors in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room to better expose pipes to the home’s heat.How to prevent frozen pipes while on vacation: The best you can do is:Have your water pipes insulated with pipe sleeves.Keep your thermostat set above 55 degrees when you’re gone.Drip water from all faucets.Open cabinet doors in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room to better expose pipes to the home’s heat.Have a family member check on your home and pipes/faucets while you’re gone.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

When water in a pipeline turns to ice, you must take action right away.

Shut off the water main to reduce pressure on pipes.Open, or turn on, several faucets throughout the house to remove pressure from the water lines by allowing steam or water to escape while you thaw the pipe.Make sure the heat in your home is set to at least 55 degrees, if not higher.If you know where the frozen pipe is, you can try to thaw the pipe. Some effective thawing options include using a:Air dryerSpace heaterElectrical heating tapeHot towel

Shut off the water main to reduce pressure on pipes and to minimize flooding.Open, or turn on, several faucets throughout the house to remove pressure from the water lines.Call Invisible Excavations to assess your situation so we can immediately begin repairing the ruptured pipes. For insurance purposes, take photos of the burst pipe and any damage that the pipe(s) caused, such as structural damage and/or property damage. Start to remove water or manage any persistent leak. Clean and dry all affected property, including walls, floors, carpet, furniture, and more to prevent mold and mildew from forming.

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