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TN in top 5 for most frozen pipes claims in 2018

According to 2018 State Farm claims data, over 800 claims were paid in Tennessee for winter water losses such as frozen pipes.

Snow and cold temperatures are in the forecast, and the risk of frozen pipes will certainly be an issue in the upcoming days.

According to 2018 State Farm claims data, over 800 claims were paid in Tennessee for winter water losses such as frozen pipes.

The total pay-out for Tennessee claims in 2018 reached over $15,000,000 with the average cost per claim just over $19,000.

Tennessee had the fourth most frozen pipes claims in 2018.

RELATED: Easy steps to protect your home from winter weather

Illinois came in at no. 1 with New York, Pennsylvania and Texas also in the top five states with the most water peril claim counts in 2018.

The agency also provided tips to prevent frozen pipes from happening during the winter months.

When temperatures drop:

  • A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.
  • Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature during both day and night.
  • Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

Before you travel:

  • Set the thermostat in your house no lower than 55°F (12°C).
  • Ask a friend or neighbor to check your house daily to make sure it's warm enough to prevent freezing.
  • Shut off and drain the water system.

If you experience frozen pipes:

  • If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber.
  • Do not use electrical appliances in areas of standing water to avoid electrocution.
  • Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame because it could cause a fire hazard.
  • You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe using a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe.
  • If your water pipes have already burst, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve in the house; leave the water faucets turned on. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shutoff valve is and how to open and close it.

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