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Each year insurance companies pay claims due to frozen pipes. With Oklahoma's roller coaster weather, and recently seeing single digit temperatures, homeowners need to pay close attention to the possiblity of pipes freezing. In 2021, Oklahoma was the third state for the highest claims due to frozen pipes, rising from 16th place in 2020. Insurance companies paid out over 12 million dollars in claims due to frozen pipes.
A few things that can help prevent a major blow to your budget due to the cost of repairing frozen pipes is:
- Keep water moving freely, let the faucets drip overnight.
- Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes under sinks .
- Seal leaks that allow cold air inside.
- Disconnect garden hoses or use indoor valve to shut off and drain the water from the pipes.
- If you will be away from your home for an extended period of time, insure that your home maintains adequate heat inside, at least 55 degrees. Water can be shut off to prevent pipes from freezing but keep in mind that fire suppression systems will be deactivated when the water is shut off.
- Disconnect garden hoses from ouside faucets.
- Winterize your pool. Consider calling in a professional or drain all pool equipment so the water will not expand and cause damage. Clear and drain all water from the pool lines, filter, pump and heater.
- Keep trees trimmed. Ice is very heavy, especially on a tree branch. The weight of ice and snow can cause tree branches to snap causing damage to homes, automobiles and electrical power lines.
- Keep the gas tanks in your vehicles on full.
If your pipes freeze, shut off the water at the main leading into your home and open your faucets. This will reduce pressure in the pipes and reduce the damage done when the pipes begin to thaw. A one eighth inch crack in your pipe can spray out more than 250 gallons of water a day, ruining floors, carpet, furniture and irreplacable personal items and definitely put a dent in the budget.