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Group Urges Measures To Prevent Frozen Pipes The Professional Insurance Agents of New York State, Inc. reminds homeowners and business owners that despite the recent warm spell, winter is in full swing and if you haven't taken steps to prevent your pipes from freezing, now is the time. If you think that recovering from frozen pipes is as simple as calling a plumber, think again. An eighth-inch crack in a pipe can send up to 250 gallons of water a day, destroying equipment and files, wrecking floors and furniture and cost-ing homeowners and businesses a lot of money. By taking a few simple precautions you can save yourself the mess, cost and aggravation frozen pipes cause. "Subject to a deductible, most home-owners policies cover damage resulting from frozen pipes, including the repair of the pipe," says Martin Koles, president of PIANY. "Your policy will cover dwelling damage, and damage to personal property, such as furniture and rugs. Tenants of a residence can get similar coverage for personal property by purchasing a renters policy and businessowners can purchase similar coverage for business property. However, no coverage exists for frozen-pipe damage to an unoccupied home or business unless heat is maintained in the building or the pipes have been drained," Koles continued. Pipes that freeze most often are those that are exposed to the severe cold such as those located in unheated interior areas like basements or attics, crawl spaces, garages and kitchen cabinets. Some measures suggested for safeguarding pipes and property include insulating the pipes in these areas. The more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be. Seal leaks that allow cold air inside near the pipes. Look for air leaks and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out and the heat in. If your pipes do freeze, don't take any chances. If you turn on your fau-cets and no water comes out, leave the faucet on, turn off the main shut-off valve for your water supply and call a plumber. Take immediate steps to prevent further damage. "If damage has occurred, contact your insurance agent. He or she will be able to guide you through the claims process," says Koles.
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