Snow and cold temperatures are in the forecast and the risk of frozen pipes will certainly be an issue in the upcoming days.
According to 2018 State Farm® claims data, over 800 claims were paid in Tennessee for winter water losses such as frozen pipes. The total pay-out for Tennessee claims in 2018 reached over $15,000,000 with the average cost per claim just over $19,000.
Illinois came in at #1 with New York, Pennsylvania and Texas also in the top five states with the most water peril claim counts in 2018.
When temperatures drop:
• A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.
• Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature during both day and night.
• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.
• Set the thermostat in your house no lower than 55°F (12°C).
• Ask a friend or neighbor to check your house daily to make sure it's warm enough to prevent freezing.
• Shut off and drain the water system.
If you experience frozen pipes:
• If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber.
• Do not use electrical appliances in areas of standing water to avoid electrocution.
• Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame because it could cause a fire hazard.
• You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe using a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe.
• If your water pipes have already burst, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve in the house; leave the water faucets turned on. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shutoff valve is and how to open and close it.
