As winter sets in and temperatures across many regions of the U.S. plummet to extreme lows, homeowners face a dual-edged sword. While the snowy landscape invites enjoyable outdoor activities such as sledding, it simultaneously raises the risk of plumbing issues, particularly frozen pipes. Frozen pipes can lead to significant damage if not addressed promptly.

To help you protect your home from this potential disaster, here are some comprehensive strategies for preventing, diagnosing, and safely thawing frozen pipes:

Prevention

Insulate Exposed Pipes: Use foam pipe insulation sleeves to wrap pipes in unheated areas such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces. This additional layer of protection helps maintain a consistent temperature.
Seal Off the Garage: Keep garage doors closed, especially if you have water supply lines in this area.
Maintain Indoor Temperatures: Keep your home’s temperature consistent, especially during cold snaps. It's advisable to set your thermostat no lower than 55°F, even when you are away.
Allow Faucets to Drip: When temperatures plummet, let a small stream of water drip from faucets connected to pipes that run through unheated or unprotected spaces. This can prevent pressure build-up and reduce the likelihood of freezing.
Seal Cracks and Openings: Inspect your home for any small openings or cracks around windows, doors, and the foundation. Use caulking or spray foam to seal these gaps and prevent cold air from entering.

Diagnosis

Monitor Water Flow: If you notice a decrease in water pressure or a complete stop in flow, it could be an early sign of a frozen pipe. Act promptly to investigate the issue.
Check for Frost or Ice: Examine exposed pipes for frost accumulation or any visible signs of ice. Pipes located along exterior walls or in unheated spaces are particularly susceptible.
Listen for Unusual Sounds: Pay attention to any strange noises in your plumbing system. Gurgling sounds or unusual vibrations can indicate that a pipe may be frozen.

Thawing

Use a Hair Dryer: If you identify a frozen pipe, start by applying gentle heat to the affected area using a hair dryer. Keep the dryer moving to avoid overheating any single spot and causing damage.
Warm Towels: Soaking towels in hot water and wrapping them around the frozen pipe can similarly help to gradually thaw the ice blockage.
Avoid Open Flames: Never use a blowtorch or any open flame to thaw pipes, as this can damage the pipe or even create a fire hazard.
Call a Professional: If the frozen pipe is not easily accessible or has burst, it may be best to call in a licensed plumber to ensure proper thawing and repair.

By using these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of frozen pipes during the harsh winter months, keeping your home safe and your plumbing system intact. Stay proactive and enjoy the beauty of winter without the worry of frozen pipes!

This blog entry is created for informational purposes only. Any viewpoint or sponsorship of outside parties involved in the blog entry does not necessarily represent Goodville's stance as a company. The blog should not be used as a substitute for professional advice.

Thanksgiving Turkey Frying Safety

November 26, 2024

For many, Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday marked by gatherings around the dinner table and a delicious assortment of foods prepared to share with our loved ones. However, it’s important to remember that safety should always be a top priority.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving Day holds the unfortunate title of being the peak day for home cooking fires. The combination of busy kitchens, cooking with multiple appliances, and the hustle and bustle of family and guests can create an environment where accidents are more likely to occur. But one of the biggest dangers this time of year is turkey fryers. NFPA estimates that over $15 million in property damages, 60 injuries, and 5 deaths annually are the result of deep-frying accidents. While NFPA strongly discourages the use of turkey fryers, if you choose to use one, we would like you to take a moment to review potential risks and implement recommended safety precautions carefully.

Graphic - Turkey Fryer Do's and Dont's.png

Keeping safety in mind can help ensure your Thanksgiving celebration is memorable and safe for everyone involved.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with Goodville Mutual Casualty Company. This post was created for informational purposes only. Any viewpoint or sponsorship of outside parties involved in the blog entry does not necessarily represent Goodville's stance as a company. The blog should not be used as a substitute for professional advice.

Goodville Mutual Named to Crain’s Cleveland Business’ 2024 Best Employers in Ohio List

August 19, 2024

Goodville Mutual has been named one of Crain’s Cleveland Business’ 2024 Best Employers in Ohio. The full Best Employers in Ohio listing was announced at an event on Aug. 15. The ranking of the 45 top employers debuted online following the event and will appear in the Aug. 19 print issue of Crain’s Cleveland Business.

Determining the Best Employers in Ohio involves a two-step process that identifies, recognizes, and honors the best companies to work for in Ohio. In partnership with Workforce Research Group, thousands of employees and their employers were surveyed on the working conditions, benefits, and corporate culture that make a company a great place to work.

“Receiving this recognition from Crain’s Cleveland as one of the top places to work in Ohio is a truly incredible honor,” said Goodville’s President and CEO David Gautsche. “This recognition is a testament to the unique company culture that Goodville employees have helped create and nurture. Goodville’s success reflects our quality, committed people dedicated to the mission and the people we serve.”

About Goodville Mutual: Founded in 1926, Goodville Mutual is a property and casualty insurance company offering coverages to personal, small business, church, and farm clients through independent agents in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Delaware. For more information about Goodville Mutual, visit http://www.goodville.com .

About Crain Communications: Crain Communications is a leading business news and information company with a portfolio of 24 media brands that provide indispensable coverage and data for professionals globally and across sectors, including advertising, automotive, finance, healthcare, staffing, and workforce solutions. Many of Crain’s brands are the most influential media properties in the industries and communities they serve, including Ad Age, Automotive News, Pensions & Investments, Modern Healthcare, Staffing Industry Analysts, as well as Crain’s regional business brands. For more than a century, our dedication to deep sector expertise and journalistic integrity has enabled us to provide trusted insights across all our platforms, empowering today’s business leaders to make industry-shaping decisions. To learn more about Crain Communications, visit http://crain.com .

About Workforce Research Group:

Workforce Research Group is a Texas-based workplace excellence research firm managing “Best Places to Work” programs all over the world. To learn more, visit http://www.workforcerg.com . Goodville Mutual Casualty Company is happy to announce it has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania for 2024. Goodville is one of only 100 companies to be named to this list.