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The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions. The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states. Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.
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Home Sense. Life Sense. Business Sense. ERIE Stories. Social Responsibility. Symptoms of frozen pipes One of the earliest signs of a frozen pipe is when no water comes out of your faucet when you turn it on. If your search reveals that your pipes are frozen but none have ruptured, you have two choices: Call a plumber to help thaw your frozen pipes.
Attempt to thaw the frozen pipes yourself. Be aware this option can be dangerous if not done correctly. If you attempt to thaw the frozen pipes yourself, keep the following tips in mind: Keep your faucet open. Water and steam will be created during the thawing process, and your pipes need an opening to discharge this. Pipes in unheated basements, attics, garages, crawl spaces and even under the kitchen or bathroom sink are at risk for freezing.
If your home has pipes that run along exterior walls with insufficient or no insulation, these pipes are also at risk for freezing in winter months. Follow these steps to prevent frozen pipes this winter:. If you've already identified frozen pipes in your home, there are a few ways you can thaw them out before they cause a bigger problem. In the event that the worst does happen, call the experts to help clean up any water damage caused by burst pipes or flooding.
Find out more about our weather damage services and find your location to get immediate support. Open Accessibility Menu. Install a heating cable. For the coldest climates, consider installing electrical heating cables around crawlspace pipes to be sure that no water is able to freeze.
Add extra insulation. Adding insulation to water pipes in unheated areas throughout your home, including the garage, basement and any outdoor taps, can make water less likely to freeze. Insulate large areas with sheets of foam board. These work well in crawl spaces, garages and other areas that need temporary insulation. Repair leaks. If your pipes have any cracks or leaks, make repairs before cold temperatures arrive. Otherwise, leaking water may freeze right at the cracks, expand, burst and leave you with significant and expensive damages.
Turn off appliances. If your washing machine sits in an unheated garage, turn off water supply lines and disconnect the hoses, especially if you know that temperatures that day are expected to drop below freezing. If you know you're going to be away from home for a few days or more, consider completely turning off your main water valve to avoid plumbing system damages.
Be sure to disconnect outside water hoses before cold weather hits so any sitting water in the hoses can't freeze, expand and destroy the hose or connecting pipes inside. Open cabinet doors. For big messes, call your insurance agent. The good news is that most homeowners insurance covers burst pipes and the resulting water damage. Not only should home owners know where the valve is located, they should have it inspected the next time a plumber is on site.
Gate valves are prone to sticking when you need them the most, so it's a good idea to exercise them once a year by rotating them back and forth. Skip to content. Top Spotlight.
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