LOS ANGELES, Dec. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Recent
storms have brought heavy rain, snow, and colder temperatures to
much of the western part of the country. You may have already
prepared for the winter weather by sealing gaps along doors and
window frames or adding extra insulation to cut down on energy
costs. One household item to double check are the pipes in and
around your home. Frozen pipes are a wintertime nightmare for
homeowners, and they can burst without warning, leading to sudden
flooding and damage throughout the home.
"One of the best ways to winter-proof your home is through
regular, seasonal maintenance and upkeep," said Christopher O'Rourke, Mercury Insurance vice
president of property claims.
A burst pipe, especially during winter weather, is something no
homeowner wants to deal with. It's never too late to come up with a
winter maintenance plan to protect the pipes around your home that
can help prevent damage that would require an insurance claim.
O'Rourke recommends the following basic maintenance tips to help
keep your pipes from freezing:
- Ensure that there is proper insulation around your home,
especially where pipes are located.
- Insulate any unprotected pipes (using pipe sleeves can
streamline the process) and avoid any cracks in the
insulation.
- Use appropriate thermostat-controlled heat cables to further
protect your pipes.
- Locate where the main water shutoff is and know how to operate
it, in case of an emergency.
- Disconnect hoses from exterior faucets and completely drain
them of water.
- If the exterior faucets have cut-off valves, close them and
drain the faucets. Remember to wrap them in towels or socks for
added insulation.
- Maintain thermostat temperature above 55 degrees if you'll be
away from home for several days.
If freezing temperatures catch you off guard, take these
specific steps in the event you need to unfreeze your
pipes:
- First, open the faucet that the pipe is connected to. This will
relieve pressure within the pipe and allow any remaining water to
flow through.
- Once the pipe is clear, you can apply heat to the frozen pipe
using a heat gun or hair dryer. It will be easier to start warming
the pipe near the faucet then working towards the coldest section
of the pipe.
- If accessing the pipe is difficult, hire a plumber for
assistance.
It's important to conduct routine checks on pipes in and around
your home throughout the year to protect your home from potential
water damage.
About Mercury Insurance
Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier
predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners, renters and
commercial insurance through a network of independent agents in
Arizona, California, Illinois, Nevada, New
Jersey, New York,
Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in
Florida. Mercury writes other
lines of insurance in various states, including business owners and
business auto, landlord, home-sharing, ride-hailing and mechanical
protection insurance.
Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value
for their insurance dollar by pairing ultracompetitive rates with
excellent customer service. Mercury has earned "A" ratings from
A.M. Best and Fitch, as well as ranking highest in the J.D. Power
2021 U.S. Insurance Digital Experience StudySM and four consecutive
"Best Auto Insurance Company" awards from Insure.com. For more
information visit http://www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the
company on Twitter or Facebook.
Media Contact
Monica Carter, Mercury Insurance,
(424) 903-3640, mcarter@pacificcommunicationsgroup.com
SOURCE Mercury Insurance