Frozen pipes and what policyholders can do to prevent them from damaging your property - by Jonathan Berman

In the Northeast, winter months bring ice, snow, freezing cold temperatures, and insurance claims. Frozen pipes are one of the most common causes of winter related insurance claims. Fortunately, these types of insurance claims can be prevented.

Frigid weather can cause pipes, sprinkler systems, and water supply lines to freeze and burst. When a pipe bursts, it can cause a tremendous amount of damage for a homeowner, business owner, or landlord. After a pipe burst, water can run for days undetected and it can cause a devastating amount of damage for policyholders. Often times, the damage from a pipe burst affects buildings and personal property. According to Pure Insurance Company, the average pipe burst claim displaces a family for approximately 100 days. For business owners, a pipe burst can result in the suspension of the business itself, which causes the loss of business income.

Why do pipes freeze and burst? Water is a unique substance. Most properties contract when they are exposed to cold temperatures. However, water expands when it freezes. If water expands enough, then the pressure can be too great for a pipe to handle and it can rupture. In a building, water will continue to pour out of a burst pipe until it has been shut off.

What can a policyholder do after they have discovered a pipe burst? First, shut off the water supply. Property owners should familiarize themselves with buildings that they own. It is incredibly important to know where the water shut off valve is located. Second, call a plumber. A plumber can assist with shutting off the water if you are unable to do so. Additionally, a plumber can remove the broken pipe and replace it to restore water to the building. Third, call a qualified restoration company. Most restoration companies are available at any time to assist with emergencies. A restoration company can come to the property and set up drying equipment (dehumidifiers, air movers, etc.) and provide additional emergency services. Fourth, document the damage by taking pictures or videos. Finally, call your insurance company or insurance agent to report the damage and file an insurance claim.

How can a policyholder prevent frozen pipes? We recommend engaging in proactive measures to protect your property. The most simple and effective way to prevent a pipe burst is to maintain heat in a property. During the icy winter months, it is recommended to keep the temperature of a home or building no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. To be even more careful, some insurance companies recommend that their policyholders keep the heat set no lower than 65 – 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Often times, homeowners or tenants will turn off the heat while they are on vacation. Unfortunately, people forget that the building needs heat to be protected. It is critical to maintain heat if you or your tenants are away from the property.

Other preventative methods include allowing a faucet to drip. Opening a faucet, even a slow drip, can provide the necessary relief from excessive water pressure. Also, policyholders can open cabinet doors in kitchens and bathrooms to allow warmer air to circulate and reach the pipes. We recommend checking all windows and doors to make sure they are properly closed to prevent cold airflow. If the property is left unattended, then we recommend draining your plumbing system and shutting off the water at the water meter. Doing so ensures that if a pipe break occurs, there will be no pressure to pump water throughout your property while you are away. 

Will the insurance company pay my claim in the event of a pipe burst? Typically, yes. As long as a policyholder can demonstrate that they have acted reasonably and attempted to maintain heat in the property, then an insurance company should pay the insurance claim in the event of a pipe burst.

Frozen pipes can cause significant damage. However, policyholders can limit their risk and mitigate their damages by following these simple steps.

Jonathan Berman, Esq. is president of Berman Adjusters, Inc., Newton, Mass.