How to Make Sure Pipes Don’t Freeze (And What To Do If It Happens!)

When the weather forecast predicts temperature lows of 30 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your pipes. A burst pipe and the water damage that ensues can require extensive and expensive repairs. Follow the tips below to prevent your pipes from freezing.

How To Make Sure Pipes Don’t Freeze

1. Insulate any exterior pipes.

Pipes that are exposed to the outside air are at the greatest risk of freezing. Purchase a foam insulation kit from your local hardware store and follow the instructions to protect vulnerable water pipes.

Even if you plan to travel during the winter, keeping the heat on in your home is a good idea. Setting the thermostat at 55 degrees or above will keep pipes warm enough to prevent freezing. Policies require that heat must be maintained, or pipe systems must be fully drained in order for coverage to apply.

Turning each of your faucets on just enough to let them drip will prevent pressure from building in the system and keep them from freezing.

If you are going away for an extended period of time, consider having your pipes professionally drained.

What To Do If A Water Pipe Bursts?

Finding a burst pipe in your home is stressful and can be overwhelming. The first thing you should do if you find a puddle or a burst pipe is to turn off your water at the main shut off valve and switch off electricity to the area of your home that has been affected.

Turning off the water and electricity will prevent any further damage to your home.

How To File A Burst Pipe Insurance Claim

When a water pipe bursts, your home insurance policy is there to help. Contact your local Grange Insurance Association agent and they will walk you through the process of filing a claim and getting a water damage restoration professional out to your property if necessary to address any immediate concerns.

A claims adjuster will schedule a visit your home as soon as possible to assess the extent of the damage, identify the cause, and estimate the damages. Once the claim has been approved, you will be mailed a check to cover the cost of restoring your home to the condition before the burst pipe damage. At that point, you can hire the contractor of your choice to repair the water damage.

Our adjusters are experienced professionals dedicated to helping you through any issues that arise with your home. Contact your local agent in California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, or Wyoming to file a claim or to learn more about your home insurance coverage.

The content available via Grange.com is for informational purposes only and may not be used for any other purpose. Content provided or expressed on Grange.com, including that of third parties, may not reflect Grange Insurance Association’s (GIA) policies or conform to any agreement you may have with GIA and its subsidiary companies. Please contact a licensed insurance agent to obtain particular advice.