Record Breaking Low Temperatures throughout the United States

With the holidays coming to an end and winter coming in full swing, we are facing the coldest temperatures in years!

Record low temperatures followed by warmer temperatures can put you at risk of damage caused by a burst pipe. Pipes that have froze and /or cracked will begin to thaw and could burst. Without the proper attention, damaged and melted pipes could channel water into your home.

Pipes located in the exterior walls or where the water enters your home through the foundation is most likely to freeze.

Follow these tips from Pure Insurance Claims & Risk Management to protect your home from further damage:

• Turn the faucet(s) on halfway to begin. As you treat the frozen pipe, the ice will begin to melt and you will see water flowing from the faucet. Once the water is flowing, open the faucet all the way. This approach will help prevent water from gushing.
• Apply heat to frozen section of pipe by wrapping it with a heating pad, or using a hair dryer or portable space heater on it. Apply the heat until full water pressure is restored. (Never leave portable heater unattended)
• If you are unable to locate the frozen area of the pipe, if the area that is frozen is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber immediately.
• Check all other faucets in your home to indentify others that may have frozen. If one pipe freezes, it is likely other may have as well.

Best rule of thumb….

If you suspect you have a frozen pipe, call a plumber immediately.

Author: Deneen Limburg, Senior Personal Lines Account Manager

Copyright: Except as otherwise noted, the text and graphics provided on Johnson, Kendall & Johnson’s blog are copyrighted by Johnson, Kendall & Johnson, Inc (JKJ). JKJ does, however, permit visitors to make a single copy of information published on JKJ’s blog for their personal, non-commercial use or use within the organization that employs them. JKJ’s name, logos, and trademarks may not be otherwise used by the visitors in any manner without the prior written consent of JKJ

Disclaimer; JKJ does not assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information disclosed at or accessed through the Johnson, Kendall & Johnson blog. Reference in Johnson, Kendall & Johnson blog to any products, services, processes, hypertext links, or other information, by trade name, trade mark, manufacturer, supplier, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply JKJ’s endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation.