Texas Department of Insurance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION

January 5, 2010 Jerry Hagins or Ben Gonzalez

News Release (512) 463-6425

Avoid Home Damage from Frozen Pipes

AUSTIN – Texas weather can change quickly, especially in the winter. A fast-moving cold front can

cause temperatures to drop below freezing within hours. Outdoor pipes, pipes in unheated areas, and pipes

that run along uninsulated exterior walls can burst if the water in them freezes and expands. This can

shatter pipe seals or the pipes themselves, sending water pouring through your house. You can avoid

thousands of dollars of damage to your walls, ceilings, carpets, and furniture by taking a few simple

measures to protect your home.

Before the Freeze

. Protect faucets, outdoor pipes, and exposed pipes in unheated areas by wrapping them with rags,

newspaper, trash bags, or plastic foam.

. Insulate your outdoor water meter box and be sure its lid is on tight.

. Cover any vents around your home’s foundation.

. Drain and store water hoses indoors.

. Protect outdoor electrical pumps.

. Drain swimming pool circulation systems or keep the pump motor running. (Run the pump motor

only in a short freeze. Running the motor for long periods could damage it.)

. Drain water sprinkler supply lines.

. Open the cabinets under sinks in your kitchen and bathrooms to allow heated indoor air to circulate

around the water pipes.

. Set your thermostat at a minimum temperature of 55 degrees, especially when you’re gone for the

day or away for an extended period.

. Let indoor faucets drip; it isn’t necessary to run a stream of water.

. Make sure you know where your home’s shut-off valve is and how to turn it on and off.

. If you leave town, consider turning off your water at the shut-off valve while faucets are running to

drain your pipes. Make sure you turn the faucets off before you turn the shut-off valve back on.

. If you drain your pipes, contact your electric or gas utility company for instructions on protecting

your water heater.

If Your Pipes Freeze

. If a pipe bursts and floods your home, turn the water off at the shut-off valve. Call a plumber for

help if you can’t find the broken pipe or if it’s inaccessible. Don’t turn the water back on until the

pipe has been repaired.

. If the pipe hasn’t burst, thaw it out with an electric heating pad, hair dryer, portable space heater, or

towel soaked with hot water. Apply heat by slowly moving the heat source toward the coldest spot

on the pipe. Never concentrate heat in one spot because cracking ice can shatter a pipe. Turn the

faucet on and let it run until the pipe is thawed and water pressure returns to normal.

. Don’t use a blowtorch or other open-flame device. They are fire risks and carbon monoxide

exposure risks.

If You Have a Loss

. Contact your insurance agent or company promptly. Follow up as soon as possible with a written

claim to protect your rights under Texas’ prompt-payment law.

. Review your coverage. Most homeowners and renters policies pay for property repair. In addition,

most policies pay for debris removal and for additional living expenses if you have to move

temporarily because of damage to your home. If you can’t find your policy, ask your agent or

company for a copy.

. Homeowners policies may require you to make temporary repairs to protect your property from

further damage. Your policy covers the cost of these repairs. Keep all receipts and damaged

property for the adjuster to inspect. If possible, take photos or videos of the damage before making

repairs. Don’t make permanent repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim if you make

permanent repairs before an adjuster inspects the damage.

. Most homeowners policies do not cover loss caused by freezing pipes while your house is

unoccupied unless you used reasonable care to maintain heat in the building; shut off the water

supply; and drain water from plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems.

Questions?

If you have questions about insurance, call TDI’s Consumer Help Line toll-free: 1-800-252-3439

or visit the TDI website: www.tdi.state.tx.us. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish.

T E X A S D E P A R T M E N T O F I N S U R A N C E

Public Information Office~333 Guadalupe P.O. Box 149109 Austin, TX 78714~ph. (512) 463-6425~fax (512) 463-6141~www.tdi.state.tx.us