VALLEY — According to the Institute for Business and Home Safety, in the past decade, insurance companies have paid out $4 billion in claims for frozen, burst pipes.

AdvantaClean is offering tips to protect homes from frozen and burst pipes.

√ Remove hoses from outside faucets – if you leave hoses connected, with water still in them, there’s no place for water from the faucet or water line to drain. The trapped water freezes and expands, creating a crack in the line INSIDE the wall of your home, spewing water everywhere. For the faucets, you can buy an insulated cover, or just wrap a towel, foam, or even newspaper around the faucet, cover in plastic, then tape to hold in place

√ Insulate exposed water lines – you can buy insulated sleeves from the hardware store which slip easily around exposed pipes in the garage, attic, basement, or outside. These areas are more susceptible to freezing.

√ Seal leaks or cracks around pipes in the bathroom or kitchen – cold air can flood through the tiniest crevices. Insulate or caulk around pipes to keep them from freezing.

√ Leave bathroom/kitchen cabinet doors open – this will allow warm room air to circulate around the pipes when icy weather invades. Also, let faucets drip to reduce pressure.

√ Keep thermostat at same temperature day and night – the heating bill may be a bit higher, but nothing like paying for water damage.

If Your Pipes Freeze…

√ Turn on all faucets to find out which ones are working – a small trickle of water from one faucet, while others are gushing, is a good indicator of a frozen line

√ Work from the faucet back, to check for ice blockage – run a hair dryer or heat gun back and forth along the pipe, warming it gradually. Never put a heat source directly on the pipe, especially if it’s PVC. It could rupture the pipe. DO NOT USE ANY OPEN FLAME.

√ Add salt to drains – pour a tablespoon down the drain, but DON’T ADD WATER. The sudden temperature change could crack the pipe.

√ Check for leaks – if you see any leaks, in any pipes, shut off the main water valve to the house, and close all faucets.