Your Coverage: Preparing Your Home’s Water System for Winter

As colder weather arrives and nighttime temperatures fall below freezing, homeowners should take a few simple steps to prepare their home’s water system for winter. A little preventative maintenance can help you avoid the stress and cost of a frozen or burst pipe.

Why worry about frozen pipes?

When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands and can crack or burst either plastic or metal pipes, leading to serious damage. In many cases, a leak is not discovered until the weather warms and thawing begins. A burst pipe can release a large amount of water and damage ceilings, floors, and walls.

Ways to reduce the risk of frozen-pipe water damage:

• Keep your home heated, even if you are away for a short time. Set the thermostat to at least 60°F, especially when the house is unoccupied. Many insurance policies require homeowners to keep sufficient heat in the home to help prevent frozen-pipe damage. During a severe cold snap, saving a little on heating costs can lead to much larger repair bills later.
• Disconnect outdoor hoses from the home.
• Keep garage doors shut to help protect pipes located there.
• Open cabinet doors where plumbing is installed so warmer air can circulate around the pipes.
• Allow a small trickle of cold water to run from faucets connected to exposed pipes. Even a light drip can help keep pipes from freezing.

If a pipe is already frozen:

• Never use an open flame or torch to thaw a frozen pipe. If the pipe is accessible, use a hair dryer or heating pad instead.
• Find the main water shutoff valve and close it as soon as possible, ideally before temperatures rise above freezing.
• Keep buckets, towels, and fans ready to help contain, clean up, and dry any leaks.
• Turn the water back on slowly and check carefully for leaks. If you notice one, be ready to shut the water off immediately. As temperatures rise above freezing, keep watching and listening for signs of water escaping.
• If the pipe is damaged, contact a licensed plumber for repairs. We can also help you decide whether a claim should be filed.

Helping families as a trusted insurance advisor is what we do every day. Reach out for an insurance review to make sure your home stays protected through the winter months.

Flury-Hinderks Insurance is an independent insurance agency in Overland Park and a trusted advisor to thousands of families in Johnson County. Contact Flury-Hinderks Insurance today for a comprehensive insurance review.