Extreme cold increases risk of frozen pipes

During this bitterly cold and snowy winter, the largest home insurer in the state of Iowans warns to be careful of your plumbing, otherwise you could face an expensive disaster.

Andrea Sabus, a Grimes-based state farm agent, says frozen pipes can become brittle and break easily, resulting in a devastating flood in your home. “State Farm pays an average of about $ 9,000 for frozen pipe claims in Iowa,” says Sabus. “In the state itself, only State Farm paid over $ 750,000 in 2019 alone.”

According to the company, Iowa ranks 12th in the nation for frozen pipe claims. She says a 1/8 inch crack in a pipe can spray more than 250 gallons of water a day.

“If it’s on the first floor and under the sink, you can see that the wood floors are very damaged and warped and the cabinets are ruined because the water gets into them,” says Sabus. “When the water flows through and into the basement, you’re dealing with the ceiling, drywall, carpet – it’s just significant damage, depending on where it happens.”

There are precautions Iowa homeowners can take to avoid a burst pipe.
“Let your hot and cold taps drip if you go overnight,” says Sabus. “Open your cabinet doors under your sink where the pipes are so heat can get into those areas. Also insulate your exposed water pipes, e.g. B. in your basement, in crawl spaces or near these outer walls. “

Also, never turn off your stove when you leave to save money on heating bills in winter. Always keep the thermostat set to at least 55 degrees.

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