Tips for Preventing Frozen Pipes

When temperatures plummet across the nation, many of us may be faced with one of winter's more unappealing possibilities -- frozen or bursting water pipes.

The insurance industry pays an average of $450 million each year for damages caused by ruptured plumbing. However, you may not be covered if you have not taken protective measures to prevent damage. You should check your homeowner's policy or talk with your insurance agent to be sure.

This is a serious problem, and it doesn't have to happen if the necessary precautions are taken, according to the Insurance Institute for Property Loss Reduction.

If the temperature falls below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, your pipes may be vulnerable to freezing. The following tips may help you avoid one of the winter's biggest headaches:

Water pipes should be placed only in heated spaces. If you have pipes that are exposed to cold air (i.e., in attics or crawl spaces) make sure that they are fitted with proper insulation. Cracks or holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes should be sealed with caulking to keep cold air away from vulnerable pipes. Let your faucet drip during cold periods to relieve excessive pressure when the pipes begin to freeze. When both hot and cold lines serve the same spigot, make sure both lines are dripping since both are subject to freezing. If you are going away, don't lower the heat in your house below 58-60 degrees Fahrenheit Pipes that are normally safe may be vulnerable if a cold spell hits. During periods of extreme cold or if you will be gone for an extended period of time, the best safeguard is to drain your home's water system by shutting off the main valve -- which is usually located at the water meter or where the main line enters the house -- and turning on every water fixture until the water stops running. Since the lines will then be filled with air, which is not subject to freezing, it is not necessary to leave the fixtures on after the lines are drained.