Ten Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes this Winter

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Jan 30, 2019, 04:00 ET

ERIE, Pa., Jan. 30, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Frigid winter temperatures can cause pipes to freeze – or even burst. Frozen water pipes and the damage they cause are a reality for thousands of people each year, but there are steps you can take to help prevent pipes from freezing,

"We see about 2,500 claims per day during an average January winter," says Chris Zimmer, senior vice president of Claims for Erie Insurance. "A number of them are due to frozen water pipes."

Don't let your pipes freeze up this winter.

While we can't control the weather, Erie Insurance provides ten tips to prevent your pipes from freezing:

1. Drain water from pipes that are likely to freeze. This includes your swimming pool and sprinkler water supply lines.

2. Disconnect any hoses from the outside of your home, drain the hoses and store them in the garage. Make sure to close the indoor valves supplying these outdoor access points.

3. Insulate the area around vents and light fixtures. This helps prevent heat from escaping into the attic.

4. Seal any wall cracks. Be sure to pay careful attention to the areas around utility service lines.

5. Open kitchen cabinets. This allows the warm air to circulate around the pipes

6. Keep garage doors closed to protect water lines.

7. Allow your faucets to drip cold water on the coldest days. The movement will make it harder for the water to freeze.

8. Keep your thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Never let it fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit when you leave your home.

9. Ensure you have proper seals on all doors and windows.

10. Place a 60-watt bulb in areas where you're concerned about pipes freezing. Make sure there are no combustible materials near the bulb.

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety says a burst pipe can cause more than $5,000 in water damage. Learn more about homeowners insurance that protects you without surprises, or find a local ERIE agent to help you feel confident about your insurance protection.

Erie Insurance Group
According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 9^th largest homeowners insurer and 11^thlargest automobile insurer in the United States based on direct premiums written and the 16^th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on total lines net premium written. The Group, rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, has more than 5 million policies in force and operates in 12 states and the District of Columbia. Erie Insurance Group is a FORTUNE 500 company.

News releases and more information about Erie Insurance Group are available at www.erieinsurance.com.

SOURCE Erie Insurance Group