PREVENTING FROZEN WATER PIPES IN YOUR HOME
Helpful Tips for Connecticut Homeowners
Meriden CT - December 19, 2002 - Each year more than 250,000 American homes are damaged by water pipes that freeze and burst, resulting in an estimated $400 to $500 million in damage. "There are some simple things to prevent freezing pipes that don't require calling in a plumber or handyman. Just about any homeowner can do them," according to Ron Licata, President of Connecticut Life & Casualty Insurance.
Mr. Licata has several precautions and suggestions for homeowners:
Be sure to close the interior shut-off valve of any exterior water faucets, then drain the faucet itself from the outside and turn it off. Disconnect any hoses and drain out any remaining water. Cover exterior faucets and pipes with insulating socks or caps to help prevent freezing.
Insulate pipes and seal any air leaks near exterior walls. Use caulking, foam or fiberglass insulation to keep the cold out and the heat in. Avoid using fiberglass abutting pipes that may sweat, as moisture can reduce the effectiveness of insulation.
Set the thermostat in your house no lower than 55 degrees. If away on vacation, ask a neighbor to stop in to check to ensure the heating system is working and make sure it is warm enough to prevent freezing.
When away, open up cabinet doors in bathrooms and kitchens. This will allow heat to reach any inaccessible or uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances and near exterior walls.
If nothing comes out when you turn on a faucet, leave it turned on and call a plumber. Turn off the water at the main water shut-off valve.
Don't try to thaw pipes with a torch or other open flame. Try using a hair dryer on the part nearest the faucet and work your way toward the coldest section of pipe.
Connecticut Life & Casualty is a direct-to-the-customer insurance company headquartered in Meriden. The company regularly issues safety tips, reports, analyses, conducts original research and sponsors national surveys as a public service. The insurer is sending its customers a brochure, "Preventing Frozen Pipes," with helpful tips, but is also making the information available to homeowners throughout the state. The free brochure can be obtained by calling 1-800-252-6252 or going to their website: www.cl-c.com.
Contact: Ray Palermo
Public Relations Tel: 203-634-7251
E-mail: rpalermo@response.com
Back to news
|
|
