How to prevent frozen pipes this winter (and what to do if it happens)

Frigid winter weather can pose serious risks for homeowners. When temperatures drop, water can freeze inside pipes (yes, even interior ones), leaving you without water, or worse, burst pipes and potential water damage.

Several factors can increase the risk of pipes freezing in winter, including sudden drops in temperature, poor insulation, low or no water flow, old or damaged pipes, and exposure to exterior walls.

At Grange, we know our way around winter hazards — our team fields hundreds of frozen or burst pipe claims each year. We tapped our experts to share tips to prevent frozen pipes and what to do if it happens.

How to prevent frozen pipes

As temperatures start to fall, homeowners can take a few proactive steps to prep their home for winter and address risk factors for frozen pipes.

Grange Risk Control Technical Design Manager Peter Mull works with homeowners and businesses every day to help minimize these types of risks.

"One of the main things you can do to help prevent frozen pipes is to keep your thermostat set above 55°F, even when you’re away,” Mull says. “You may even consider installing a backup power source in case storms or power outages knock out your heating system."

He also suggests these practical tips to help prevent frozen pipes:

• Insulate pipes: Use pipe insulation or heat tape, especially in unheated areas.
• Keep a drip running: Allow faucets to drip slightly to keep water moving and reduce the risk of freezing.
• Seal leaks and cracks: Seal gaps around windows, doors, or any place where pipes enter the home to keep cold air out.
• Open cabinet doors: Allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks and vanities.
• Drain outdoor faucets or other lines you’re not using: Disconnect garden hoses and shut off exterior water valves before winter.

 

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What to do if pipes are frozen

Sometimes even the best preventive measures are no match for Mother Nature.

"If little or no water comes out of the tap, or you notice a foul odor from faucets or drains, it could mean that your pipes have frozen,” says Mull.

He adds that other signs of frozen pipes can include banging or clanking noises when you turn on a faucet, cold spots on walls with pipes in them, or visible frost on exterior pipes.

If you suspect your pipes are frozen, Mull suggests these helpful dos and don’ts.

How to thaw frozen pipes

• Apply heat: Use a hairdryer, heating pad, or warm towels on the frozen section of the pipe. You can also raise the thermostat in your home to help warm the area around the pipes.
• Use a space heater (safely): If possible, use a space heater in the affected area to help warm up the pipes, but make sure it's away from flammable materials.
• Turn on faucets: Open the affected faucet to allow water to flow when thawed.
• Call a plumber. Contact a professional if you cannot locate the frozen section, or the pipe is cracked.

What NOT to do with frozen pipes

Mull says that you should avoid certain things when dealing with a frozen pipe, as these can increase the risk of further damage.

• Do NOT use an open flame. Avoid torches, propane heaters, or other open flames, as they pose a fire hazard.
• Do NOT use force. Hitting or bending the pipe or using high-pressure water to “break up” the ice can lead to bursts.
• Do NOT ignore it. If left untreated, frozen pipes can lead to bursting, flooding, and costly damage.

What to do if a frozen pipe bursts

If you see pooling water or spot bulges or cracks in exterior pipes, it could be a sign that a pipe (or multiple pipes) has burst. Before you turn on the faucets or attempt to thaw a frozen pipe, look for signs of water damage.

"Start by checking for leaks, water spots, and puddles,” says Grange Vice President of Property Claims and SIU Chris Karacalidis.

When addressing potential damage, your safety is most important. Be aware of submerged electrical outlets, appliances or chemicals that may be inside standing water, and contact a professional for any potentially dangerous repairs.

Follow these steps to safely address a burst water pipe in your home:

• Find your home’s main water supply and shut it off.
• Next, turn off your main electrical supply to reduce the risk of electrical shock and damage to circuits and electrical appliances.
• If the water comes from a hot water pipe, shut the main valve to your hot water heater as well.
• Call a licensed plumber as soon as possible.

"A plumber can help locate where plumbing lines have split, which can be isolated to one area or occur in several,” says Karacalidis. “In most cases, a plumber can also repair the lines.”

What to do next: Report your claim

Once you’ve contacted a plumber and secured your home from more damage, it’s time to call your insurance company and file a claim.

“Repairs for frozen or burst line(s) and any water damage are typically covered by most insurance policies,” says Karacalidis. He says that you should review your specific policy, as there may be some exceptions.

“Policies may have certain conditions around proper heating, maintenance, or even occupancy in order to cover damages,” he adds. “If you’re a renter or live in a condo, you should contact your landlord or HOA for more guidance.”

To report a claim, you’ll need:

• Your policy number
• Details of any losses or damage, such as date the loss occurred and a description of what happened and what is damaged
• Photos of any damaged property

Bottom line

While we can’t control the weather, there are steps you can take to help keep pipes warm and avoid damage during the winter months.

Take time to assess exterior pipes and winterize your home so you’ll be ready for whatever surprises the season has in store.