Frozen Pipes

Protect those pipes!  

Winter brings hazards that need to be taken seriously. When the weather is freezing and there is ice and snow, we know to drive slower (I hope!) We know to walk more carefully outside. But what about inside our homes? What harm can come to our safe, warm home from the ice outside? One of the biggest risks in Winter is Frozen Pipes.

Generally, damage from pipes bursting is covered under your home insurance policy as "sudden and accidental" water damage. But water claims are usually expensive which doesn't look good on insurance history (meaning higher rates in your future). Here are some tips to avoid those water claims:

PREVENT FROZEN PIPES

 The first thing you should do is protect the pipes exposed outdoors. 

Water in pipes can freeze. The water will expand in the pipes as it freezes, which can cause pipes to burst. This can cause untold damaged to your home and belongings.  You can buy insulation at your neighborhood hardware store. You can also take old socks, sweatshirts or towels and wrap and tape them over the pipes. Remove the hose before insulating the faucet. You may also want to insulate indoor piping that is in an unheated area, such as the attic or any crawl space. This is especially true for homes in areas with harsh winters. Moving water is less likely to freeze, so drip your faucets on freezing nights. You don't need to run the water, a slow drip will work just fine.   

IF PIPES ARE FROZEN

   If you turn on your faucet and no water comes out, chances are your pipes are already frozen. You want to thaw them as soon as possible. The longer they stay frozen, the more likely they are to burst. You should always assume the pipe may already have a tear and shut off your water at the main water valve. It is often in or near the garage. But walk your property and make sure know where it is and what tool you need to turn it off quickly. There are steps you can take to thaw the pipes yourself. But if you are not comfortable with your handyman abilities, call a plumber. 

THAW FROZEN PIPES

   If you want to try to find and fix the frozen section yourself, start with the closest exposed pipe to the faucet(s) and wrap it with rags or towels. Pour a little hot water over it until the water flows again. Do not EVER use a hair dryer or electric heater near frozen pipes. As the water thaws, it becomes a fire and/or electric shock danger if the water sprays as it thaws.
If your home does incur water damage, call your Insurance agent. They will have contacts to clean up water damage. 

There are three ways to request a quote for your insurance needs: 

* Visit our website

* Email us

* Call Brockman Premier Insurance at 877-987-8683