One of the most common homeowners insurance claims during winter is for damages caused by frozen plumbing. Not only must the burst pipes be replaced, but water leaks can damage carpeting, hardwood floors, walls, and furniture. Worse, it could lead to mold growth and the illnesses that accompany exposure to it. Below are some of the best tips for preventing frozen pipes.

4 Ways to Prevent Your Plumbing From Freezing During Winter

1. Insulate Pipes

You can buy foam pipe insulators at nearly any home improvement or hardware store. They look a little like swimming pool noodles and are quite inexpensive. Place them around any pipes that run through unheated areas of your home or garage to prevent freezing and avoid a home insurance claim.

2. Insulate Attics, Basements, and Other Spaces

Heat loss from uninsulated attics, basements, crawlspaces, and garages can result in frozen pipes. To keep these areas warmer, add fiberglass batts, foam core sheeting, or even open cell polyurethane spray foam for improved insulation. This investment will decrease your monthly utility bills and lower your homeowners insurance deductible.

3. Cover Exterior Faucets

Pipes that freeze are often attached to exterior faucets, which are metal and allow considerable heat loss to the outdoors. You can buy Styrofoam™ faucet covers in the same stores and departments as pipe insulators. Mount these over your outside faucets to keep the adjacent pipes warm.

4. Open Cabinet Doors

Even indoor pipes like those under the kitchen and bathroom sinks can freeze if warm air cannot reach them. This is particularly true if the pipes run along an exterior wall. To create better air circulation, open the cabinet doors beneath your sinks on nights when the temperature is predicted to plummet.

To see if you can reduce your homeowners insurance premiums or improve your coverage without paying more, contact Taake Insurance Agency in Columbia, IL. They have advised clients in and around Monroe County for more than 40 years. In addition to homeowners insurance, they also carry auto, life, farm, and business insurance. Visit their website for location details or call (618) 281-7656 to request a quote.