Not all cracked pipes are going to be obvious. In fact, a one-eighth inch crack in a pipe can cause a leak of up to 250 gallons of water per day. This means you should try to be aware of even the smallest of cracks in your pipes.
Behind hurricanes, frozen and burst pipes hold the number two spot for causing the most damage to homes in North America, according to homeowner insurance data. As a matter of fact, according to a study by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, of all plumbing system claims, 18% of them involved frozen pipes.
One easy way you can prevent your pipes from freezing is by keeping your home’s thermostat higher than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Any temperature below this could cause frozen pipes, potentially leading to leaks and floods. It’s also important to remember to turn off and drain your water system if you’re traveling in the winter months. If you fail to do this, you could find yourself returning to a flooded basement.
To make sure you’re not one of the 98% of homeowners with basements who have claimed loss due to water damage, check your pipes regularly, especially during the colder weather, and tend to even the smallest of leaks quickly and efficiently.
