Middendorf Insurance - News
Frozen Pipes
As snow falls again in Central Iowa and the cold of winter still has a firm grasp on the state, freezing pipes can be a cause of major concern. West Bend Mutual and the Institute for Business & Home Safety have these recommendations for minimizing this risk.
As snow falls again in Central Iowa and the cold of winter still has a firm grasp on the state, freezing pipes can be a cause of major concern. West Bend Mutual and the Institute for Business & Home Safety have these recommendations for minimizing this risk.
Frozen water in pipes causes water pressure to buildup between the ice blockage and the closed faucet at the end of the pipe. The result is the pipe bursting and the water leaking into whatever crevice it can find. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls are the potential problem areas for pipes freezing due to the fact that holes in your home’s outside wall for TV, cable, or telephone lines allow cold air to reach them.
Below are recommendations to help reduce the risk of pipes freezing and bursting this winter:
· Insulate exposed pipes with sleeves or wrapping to slow the heat transfer
· Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near pipes with caulk
· Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes (especially in kitchen and bathrooms)
· Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets connected to pipes that run through an unheated space.
· If gone for an extended period of time during the colder months, drain your water system completely
Are you really covered for freezing pipes? For a free coverage review call Middendorf Insurance Associates at
515-252-1414.