PIA of Connecticut is out with a timely winter reminder: now is the time to make sure your pipes don’t freeze.

If you think that recovering from frozen pipes is as simple as calling a plumber, think again. An eighth-inch crack in a pipe can send up to 250 gallons of water a day, destroying equipment and files, wrecking floors and furniture and costing homeowners and businesses a lot of money. By taking a few simple precautions you can save yourself the mess, cost and aggravation frozen pipes cause.

“Subject to a deductible, most homeowners policies cover damage resulting from frozen pipes, including the repair of the pipe,” says Christopher Wilson, CIC, CLU, CPCU, president of PIACT. “Your policy will cover dwelling damage, and damage to personal property, such as furniture and rugs. Tenants of a residence can get similar coverage for personal property by purchasing a renters policy and business-owners can purchase similar coverage for business property. However, no coverage exists for frozen-pipe damage to an unoccupied home or business unless heat is maintained in the building or the pipes have been drained.”

If your pipes do freeze, don’t take any chances. If you turn on your faucets and no water comes out, leave the faucet on, turn off the main shut-off valve for your water supply and call a plumber. Take immediate steps to prevent further damage. “If damage has occurred, contact your insurance agent. He or she will be able to guide you through the claims process,” Wilson said.

Take Measures to Prevent Frozen Pipes Now (Watertown CT Town Times 1/17/08)

January 22, 2008