Beat the Freeze: Protect Your Pipes

It has been one of the coldest Decembers in history in Upper St. Clair, and State Farm agents are urging homeowners to take a few minutes to assess the vulnerability of pipes.

Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst, destroying treasured items in homes.
 
"A small crack in a pipe can leak water at a volume of 14 gallons a minute," Jamie France, State Farm underwriting manager, said. "In most cases, water losses can be avoided by taking a few simple precautions."

Minimize the chance of freezing pipes by insulating pipes in unheated areas and those that run along outside walls, floors and ceilings, according to State Farm. Disconnect outside garden hoses and seal foundation cracks that let air freeze pipes in crawlspaces. In extreme cold, homeowners may want to open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to piping under sinks and run a small trickle of water from hot and cold faucets. Also, when taking a short trip or own a business that will be unoccupied for more than 24 hours, make arrangements to have the structure checked during cold spells. Discovering a burst pipe or water leak quickly can prevent excessive damage.