Follow guidelines from local authorities if you receive a severe cold weather warning.
Tips to Help Prevent Burst Pipes Due to Water Freezing
Tips to Help Prevent Frozen Pipes at Home
- Set your thermostat to at least 60°F at all times
- Open cabinet doors where piping is present, such as in the bathroom and kitchen
- Keep your attic door/hatch open if water filled pipes are present in the attic
- Let water drip from all faucets during extreme cold
- Ensure all water filled pipes are well insulated to reduce the risk of freezing
How to Reduce Your Businesses Risk from Frozen Pipes
- Keep your heat set to at least 60°F in areas where pipes with water are present.
- Monitor building power and have a plan to maintain temperatures in case of power failure.
- Have a trained professional regularly inspect, maintain, and test plumbing and fire sprinkler systems, and consider installing water detection sensors for added protection.
- If you have a central station monitored water flow alarm, confirm it is working for your fire sprinkler system. Check that dry pipe fire protection sprinkler systems have not taken on water.
- Designate and educate staff to safely shut down your building’s water supply when necessary. Be sure designated staff have access to the required valves.
- Check your building’s heat and water periodically if your business is closed or unoccupied, especially during weekends and extended holidays.
If pipes in your home or business freeze, don’t panic. Turn off the water supply, and follow these guidelines to thaw frozen pipes. Call a professional for help if you cannot find or reach the frozen areas.
Prepare for Other Cold Weather Risks
Extreme cold can also exacerbate other winter hazards like snow and ice. Preparing your home or business for winter can help mitigate these risks. Freezing temperatures can also cause power outages for hours or even a day (or more). Follow these guidelines if you lose power to help you stay more comfortable and safe during an outage.
Proactive risk management and advance preparations can help you prevent property damage from freezing temperatures. If you experience a loss, you can quickly and easily start your claim online or through the MySelective mobile app. You can also reach us at 866-455-9969 or contact your agent.