MAINE RISK CONTROL NOTICE

As we prepare for another stretch of below normal temperatures across Maine & New Hampshire, we  ask our key agency partners to work with OneBeacon to remind property owners to protect against freezing pipes.  Prevention is key but damage control is necessary to avoid further damage.  Below is a list of appropiate actions that  must be taken if pipes do freeze:  

1.  Contact a fully insured professional to assist with thawing pipes.

2.  Take action to prevent fires when thawing pipes by never using an open flame to thaw pipes, this includes blow torches, candles, or welding equipment. A safe way to thaw a frozen pipe is to heat water on the stove, soak towels in hot water and wrap them around cold sections of the pipes.

3.   All temporary space heaters used should be observed at all times and never left unattended. Electric, gas or liquid fuel heaters are not designed to be left unattended in a space not designed for use of a heater.  When using temporary heating equipment be sure to ventilate the area well.

4. Blow dryers and heat guns should be used by holding the unit in your hand & constantly running the dryer the length of the pipe.  Setting blow dryers or heat guns  up in a fixed position & leaving them unattended has resulted in fires.  Use care with electrical equipment near water.  Electrical outlets should have GFCI.

5.  Check the area where heat was used to thaw pipes hourly over the next 4 hours at a minimum including through the night to ensure that no heating of structural members or materials in the area will result in a fire.

6.  Place a fire extinguisher in the area where heat will be used to thaw pipes.

7.  Alert all building occupants to be aware of any sign of a fire following hot work to thaw pipes.

8.  Thawing pipes requires patience and time.  Quick fixes use high temperatures & dangerous equipment resulting in many building fires. When thawing a pipe, start thawing it nearest to the faucet. Make sure the faucet is turned on so that melted water can drip out and the drain is clear.  

9.  If a pipe does burst, do the following:   Shut off the water at the main valve.  If a hot water pipe breaks, the valve on top of the water heater should be closed and a call made to a plumber.