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Ways to Avoid Frozen Pipe Damage to your Home

As winter in Massachusetts sets in, we’re reminded of one of the perils to the homeowner of colder weather:  frozen pipes that burst, and the damage to the home that results. 

Ways to keep your pipes from freezing

It’s hard to think of a worse start to a winter day in Massachusetts than turning on the faucet and … nothing. Maybe there’s a trickle of water, but it’s clear you have a frozen pipe. So, what now? Here are some smart tips from our friends at Safeco Insurance to help you prevent or address what could easily become a very messy and expensive situation:

• See to your outdoor water lines: Before cold weather arrives, drain water sprinkler and swimming pool supply lines, and remove, drain and store outdoor hoses. If possible, close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs, and open the outside hose bibs for draining. Keep them open so any remaining water can expand without breaking the pipe. If you can’t shut off the water from the inside, pick up some foam faucet covers.

• Keep your home warm: Maintain an interior temperature of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even when you’re sleeping or not at home. Seal any drafts and leave interior doors open to help keep an even temperature from room to room.

• Tend to those pipes: Leave the cabinet doors open in the kitchen and bathroom so your pipes aren’t shut off from the warm air. You can also insulate your pipes with sleeves, heat tape or heat cable. Insulation is especially important in unheated areas, such as your attic, basement, garage or crawl space, and for pipes running along exterior walls. During severe cold spells, you may want to leave all faucets, both hot and cold, running at a slight trickle.

• Call in a professional: Frozen water in your pipes can cause them to burst, meaning you’ll have a mess on your hands once that water unthaws. So, act quickly to shut off your main water supply, and call in a licensed plumber to see to the situation.

Finally, be sure to touch base with us at Elliot Whittier Insurance  to check whether you’re covered for the damage a frozen pipe may cause. We’re happy to answer all of your policy questions this winter, and beyond.  You can call us at 617-846-5000 and ask for a home insurance specialist.

Did you know that at Elliot Whittier Insurance we have lots of choices when it comes to home insurance?  From coastal homes, to high value homes, to condominiums and everything in between, we have the expertise and the insurance carriers to work with for you!

For more ways on how to prepare your home for winter, check out our Ten Steps to Winterize your Home.

With offices in Danvers & Winthrop Massachusetts, Elliot Whittier Insurance has been awarded the Five Star Award of Distinction  from the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents.  Elliot Whittier Insurance is also a Trusted Choice® Agency and represents multiple insurance companies, so it offers you a variety of personal and business coverage choices and can customize an insurance plan to meet your specialized needs.  You can visit Elliot Whittier Insurance online at www.elliotwhittier.com or email info@elliotwhittier.com or call 800-696-3947