Broussard Dove Law Blog
FROZEN PIPES
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
FROZEN PIPES HAZARD
With severe cold weather approaching, property owners need to be prepared for the possibility of frozen pipes. A dire consequence of frozen pipes is the potential for the pipes to burst, costing thousands of dollars in plumbing, remediation, and rebuilding repair costs. Pipes burst when the water inside freezes. As the frozen water expands, pressure increases inside of the water pipes until the pressure builds to a point the pipe can no longer withstand, resulting in the pipes bursting open.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
Detaching water hoses and wrapping exposed pipes and water spigots are easy preventative measures you can take to help prevent frozen pipes. If you do not have faucet covers, try one of these DIY methods HERE .
WHAT TO DO IF A PIPE BURST
If you notice a decrease in water pressure or water accumulating on the ground, you may have a burst water pipe. If you find a burst water pipe: Document. Document. Document. Take plenty of photographs and videos documenting the burst pipe.
Shut off your main water valve immediately and call a licensed plumber to repair the broken pipe. If water has damaged the interior of your home, document all of the damage prior to cleaning up the water. You should be aware that water damage can lead to mold and mildew growth if not properly remediated. A moisture reader from a local hardware store can give you an idea if moisture is trapped in your floors or walls. Some items may need to be torn out. You should contact a licensed contractor and/or remediation company if you have water damage inside of your home.
TANKLESS HOT WATER HEATERS
Yes, tankless hot water heaters can freeze. I experienced this in my home during a freeze last year. I opened a hot water valve and used a heat gun to warm up the tankless hot water heater to unfreeze the pipes. The hot water started pouring again after a few minutes.
INSURANCE CLAIM
You have a duty after a covered loss to promptly notify your insurance company and file a claim. Do not wait. The quicker you can file your claim the quicker the insurance company can assign an adjuster, evaluate the loss, and pay the claim. If your insurance company is giving you the run around, give us a call for a free case evaluation.
If you have any questions or need referrals for plumbers or remediation companies, give us a call at no charge. We are here to help.
Writers Information:
Sye J. Broussard, J.D., M.B.A.
BROUSSARD | DOVE
7605 Park Avenue | Houma, Louisiana 70364
p. 985-868-4800
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Property Damage Attorneys
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