A Message from Liberty Mutual Insurance 

On two different occasions, the Kreisman family of Columbia, Missouri experienced the expense and headaches of a burst pipe in winter. Both times, a spigot from the outside ruptured in the basement, flooding furniture and ruining carpet. "If we hadn't been home, it would have been a total disaster," Laura Kreisman says.

To prevent water damage in your home:  

• Disconnect all outdoor hoses and turn off all water to exterior sources, including spigots and sprinkler systems. Be sure to completely remove any water from hoses and sprinklers.  This should be done before winter, but do it now if you haven't already.  

• Install a freeze-proof exterior spigot.  It extends up to 24 inches into the wall and provides a barrier to cold.  These special spigots should be left open to allow remaining water to flow out.  

• Insulate unheated areas that contain plumbing lines, such as an attic or crawl space.  

• Set your thermostat at a minimum of 55 degrees, even during extended absences.  

• Know where the water shutoffs are located and use them if a pipe bursts.