Do you think just because you live in the Phoenix metropolitan area you don’t have to worry about frozen pipes? When temperatures dip below 28˚, Phoenix residents face frozen pipes quite frequently. 
Frozen pipes are a big risk to both homeowners and apartment dwellers.
Repairing water damage to your home can be costly. For example, with 600 square feet of your home water damaged in the 85020 zip code, the cost to clean up the water and repair the subsequent damage can run $6,500 to $6,800. While your homeowner’s insurance coverage may help, many times homeowners choose high deductibles to reduce their insurance premiums. Many renters do not carry any renter’s coverage and may suffer uninsured losses to their personal possessions. In most instances, your landlord’s liability coverage will not cover a tenant’s property damaged after a water break from frozen pipes.
With Phoenix’s coldest months ahead, here are a few tips that can help prevent frozen pipes.
- Know where your home’s water shut-off is and check to make sure the valve works. Often the main shut-off valve is broken, but you don’t know it until you attempt to close it.
- If you have weak spots in your pipes, frozen water will exploit that area and the pipe may burst. If you notice signs of worn pipes, for example behind toilets or under sinks, consider replacing them before our coldest weather hits.
- If temperatures dip below freezing, consider leaving the faucet dripping that is farthest from where the main water supply enters your home. Moving water freezes at a lower temperature than standing water.
- If you have a gate valve on your water shut-off, replace it with a ball valve. Visit our link describing why ball valves are superior to gate valves to learn more.
- Be sure to insulate any water pipes in your attic.
- Wrap outdoor faucets with insulation to help prevent freezing.
- In colder weather, open doors to all your sinks to allow warmed air to circulate near them.
- Never take a vacation during the cold winter months without winterizing your home or setting the heat at an appropriate level.
In 2014, the average cost per square foot to repair water damage ran $11.08 to $11.69. You can estimate the cost of a water damage claim to your home based on your zip code at this link at Homewyse.com.
If you believe you have pipes at risk of freezing, contact us at (602) 488-4647 for a consultation. If you come home to no water or you suspect frozen pipes, turn off your main water shut off valve and call us or your plumber immediately. Trying to clear the pipes yourself can cause more damage, including damage to your water heater.