Categories: Homeowner, Property2.3 min read

As temperatures drop, frozen pipes become one of the most common—and costly—winter risks for homeowners. When water freezes, it expands, placing intense pressure on pipes that can cause them to crack or burst. The resulting water damage can be extensive, disruptive, and expensive.

The good news? With proactive steps, frozen pipe losses are largely preventable.

Why Frozen Pipes Are a Serious Risk

A single burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water in a short period of time, damaging walls, flooring, cabinetry, and personal belongings. Even worse, these losses often occur when homeowners are away or asleep, allowing damage to escalate before it’s discovered.

From an insurance perspective, most homeowners policies cover sudden and accidental water damage—but coverage can be jeopardized if reasonable care wasn’t taken to prevent freezing.

Practical Steps to Prevent Frozen Pipes

1. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes

Pipes located in unheated areas such as basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls are most at risk. Pipe insulation is inexpensive and highly effective.

2. Maintain Consistent Heat

Keep your home heated to at least 55°F, even when you’re away. Turning the heat down too low is a common cause of frozen pipe claims.

3. Allow Faucets to Drip

During extreme cold, letting faucets drip slightly helps keep water moving, reducing the chance of freezing—especially on exterior-facing plumbing.

4. Open Cabinet Doors

Opening cabinets under sinks allows warm air to circulate around plumbing located against exterior walls.

5. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

Remove garden hoses and shut off exterior water supplies if possible. Water left in outdoor lines is especially prone to freezing.

6. Seal Drafts and Air Leaks

Seal gaps around windows, doors, and where pipes enter the home. Cold air intrusion can quickly freeze exposed plumbing.

When You’re Away: Extra Precautions

If you plan to travel during winter months:

  • Set your thermostat appropriately

  • Ask a trusted neighbor or property manager to check on your home

  • Consider installing smart leak detectors or temperature sensors for early alerts

What to Do If a Pipe Freezes or Bursts

If you suspect a frozen pipe:

  • Shut off the main water supply immediately

  • Open faucets to relieve pressure

  • Contact a licensed plumber as soon as possible

  • Document any damage and notify your insurance agent promptly

The Insurance Perspective

Frozen pipe claims are one of the most frequent winter losses we see. While insurance can help repair the damage, prevention is always less costly—and far less stressful—than filing a claim.

Taking these simple steps not only protects your home but also helps preserve your claims history and long-term insurance costs.

If you have questions about how your homeowner’s policy responds to water damage, or if you’d like to review additional protection options, we’re always here to help.

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