How to Prevent Frozen and Burst Pipes

Break out your beanies, because winter has officially arrived in New England — and this year, it’s not a mild one. As the temperatures outside plummet, the risk for frozen pipes rises. Frozen pipes are one of the leading causes of property damage in the winter and can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home. The average claim for damage from a frozen pipe is about $18,000, although costs can vary widely. The costs come not from repairing the pipes themselves, but from expensive water damage to home fixtures and furnishings, like flooring and drywall. 

So how do you prevent frozen pipes? First, know that the pipes most at risk of freezing are those in unheated interior spaces, such as basements, attics, and garages. Second, follow these simple tips to prevent frozen pipes:

• Add insulation to the walls of attics, basements, and crawl spaces in your home to keep the temperatures up. 
• Seal cracks and openings around windows, doors, and the house foundation to prevent drafts. 
• Keep your garage door closed, especially if you have pipes in your garage.
• Open your kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. 
• Let cold water drip from faucets that get water from exposed pipes. Even running the water at a trickle will help prevent your pipes from freezing.
• Keep your thermostat running at the same temperature day and night, even when you leave the house. Now’s not the time to save on your energy bills by letting the temperature dip too low. 

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Most burst pipe damage is covered in a standard homeowners insurance policy. And like most insurance policies, a small investment can save you thousands of dollars in the event of a burst pipe claim. Want to talk to a knowledgeable insurance agent about how to make sure your home is properly covered? Contact us today.