How To Prevent And Deal With Frozen Pipes

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — As temperatures plunge in the region's first bout of intense cold, the possibility of pipes freezing in your home becomes more pressing.

Frozen water pipes in unheated basements and crawl spaces can be messy and expensive to fix. And prevention is better than dealing with them after the fact.

Quick drops in temperature, poor insulation and thermostats set too low are common causes of frozen pipes.

SUEZ, which provides drinking water to customers in Rockland, Putnam and Westchester counties, reminds people that by following a few simple tips, you can avoid costly repairs.

Outside the home

• Disconnect and drain the garden hose connection.
• Close all outside vents, crawl spaces and doors so cold air doesn’t seep inside.
• Fix broken windows and seal cracks in the walls.

Inside the home

• Wrap the meter and water lines subject to freezing in insulation or heat tape, which is available at hardware stores.
• Make sure the shutoff valves on either side of the water meter are working properly. Place a tag on the main shutoff valve. Make sure everyone knows where it is and how to use it during an emergency.
• Check the water meter periodically. Contact SUEZ if you notice any damage.
• If you have had problems in the past, you may want to keep a trickle of water running from the highest faucet during frigid weather. You will be billed for the water used, but this may help prevent costly plumbing repairs that result from broken pipes.

If you won’t be home

• If you’re going away for an extended period, keep a minimum amount of heat on in the house. This will help protect the pipes in case the temperature drops.
• If you plan to turn the heat off, drain all the water from the pipes, toilets and water heater, and turn off the power source to the water heater.

If the pipes freeze

• If your pipes freeze, it’s important to clear blockages as soon as possible to minimize damage. It may be best to call a licensed plumber.
• If a water pipe has burst, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve in the house.
• Open a nearby faucet slightly so the pipe can drain as it thaws.
• Do not use electrical appliances in areas of standing water.
• Never use hot water or a blowtorch on a frozen pipe or water meter

If the worst happens and a pipe bursts, try these tips from AAA Mid-Atlantic to file and manage insurance claims:

• Make a list of the damaged articles and take photos.
• Save the receipts for what you spend — including additional living expenses if you must leave your home until repairs are completed — and submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement.
• Standard homeowners policies will cover most of the kinds of damage that result from a freeze. These include, for example, if house pipes freeze and burst or if ice forms in gutters and causes water to back up under roof shingles and seep into the house. You would also be covered if the weight of snow or ice damages your house.
• If your home sustains water damage, it is important to make sure that it is properly dried and repaired to prevent any potential problem with mold. Remember, mold cannot survive without moisture.
• Check with your agent or insurance company so you will be sure what your policy covers.

SEE: Deep Freeze Descending On Hudson Valley