As much of Texas enters a prolonged cold spell for the next several days, the state’s home insurance providers are reminding homeowners that they can prevent costly repairs that can come from below-freezing temperatures.
The Insurance Council of Texas is especially warning of the possibility of frozen water pipes, which can cause severe damage to a home’s plumbing or even structural damage if left unchecked.
“Frozen pipes are an annual issue for many Texans, and taking steps to protect your home when temperatures drop below the freezing mark is critical to prevent bursting and leaking pipes that can cause thousands of dollars in repairs,” Camille Garcia, spokeswoman for the insurance council, said in a news release.
The Insurance Council of Texas recommends the following to avoid frozen water pipes:
Unhook any outdoor water hoses to your faucets.
Wrap outdoor pipes and faucets with insulating material and secure as needed.
Check hardware stores for insulation products that fit over outside water faucets.
Open doors under your sinks to provide warm air circulation to pipes along exterior walls.
Circulate the water in your home by dripping at least one sink.
Keep the thermostat set to 55 degrees or warmer in your home.
If a leak is detected inside the home, shut off the water to the house immediately to prevent further damage, and contact a plumber.
Document any leaks and repairs and keep receipts of all expenses.
The council also recommends getting with your insurance agent to make sure you know exactly what is covered because policies can have different levels of coverage for water damage.
More information about prepardeness and insurance in general can be found at .
jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com
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