Winter Freeze-Up Protection: Preventing Costly Pipe Damage

As temperatures drop across West Virginia, I start getting calls about frozen and burst pipes. It's one of the most common winter claims we see—and one of the most preventable. Let me share what you need to know to protect your home and your wallet this winter.

When water freezes, it expands by about 9%. In an enclosed pipe, that expansion creates enormous pressure—sometimes over 2,000 PSI. The pipe doesn't always burst where the ice forms. Instead, pressure builds between the ice blockage and the closed faucet, often rupturing the pipe in a weak spot somewhere else.

Here's the scary part: a 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can release up to 250 gallons of water per day. I've seen claims where homeowners came back from a weekend trip to find their entire first floor flooded. The damage can easily reach $20,000-$50,000 or more.

Not all pipes freeze equally. The most vulnerable are:

• **Pipes in exterior walls** — Especially older homes with less insulation
• **Pipes in unheated spaces** — Garages, crawl spaces, attics, basements
• **Outdoor hose bibs** — The faucets on the outside of your house
• **Pipes near windows or doors** — Where cold air can penetrate
• **Kitchen and bathroom cabinets on exterior walls** — The enclosed space gets colder than you'd think

The good news? Most frozen pipe damage is completely preventable. Here's your winter checklist:

Here's where it gets a bit complicated. Most homeowners policies cover sudden, accidental water damage from burst pipes—but there are important conditions.

Typically Covered:

• Damage to your home's structure from burst pipes
• Damage to personal belongings from the water
• Tear-out costs to access the damaged pipe
• Professional water extraction and drying

Often NOT Covered:

• The pipe itself (the actual repair to the plumbing)
• Damage from gradual leaks or seepage
• Damage if your home was vacant for an extended period
• Damage if you failed to maintain adequate heat
• Mold damage that develops from delayed cleanup

That vacancy condition is important. Most policies reduce or eliminate coverage if your home is vacant for 30-60 days. If you're a snowbird heading south for the winter, talk to us about your options.

Here's something many homeowners don't realize: your policy likely requires you to take "reasonable care" to prevent damage. If you turn off your heat entirely and pipes freeze, the insurance company might deny your claim.

What counts as reasonable care in winter?

• Maintaining adequate heat (usually 55°F minimum)
• Shutting off water if the heat will be off
• Having someone check on vacant properties regularly
• Addressing known issues like poor insulation

If you turn on a faucet and nothing comes out, you may have a frozen pipe. Here's what to do:

Step 1: Turn off the water at the main shut-off valve. This limits damage if the pipe has already burst.

Step 2: Open the faucet the frozen pipe leads to. This relieves pressure and gives melting water somewhere to go.

Step 3: Apply gentle heat to the frozen section. Use a hair dryer, heating pad, or towels soaked in hot water. Never use an open flame.

Step 4: Work from the faucet toward the frozen area, so melting water can escape.

Step 5: Check for leaks once the pipe thaws. If you find a burst, leave the water off and call a plumber.

Step 6: If you find water damage, call us right away. Quick response limits mold and secondary damage.

If you have a vacation home, rental property, or will be away for an extended period, take extra precautions:

• Consider a water leak detection system with automatic shut-off
• Have someone check the property at least weekly
• Keep detailed records of maintenance and inspections
• Review your policy's vacancy provisions with us
• Consider draining the plumbing system entirely

Some carriers offer discounts for homes with water leak detection systems. It's worth asking about.

Frozen pipe claims are almost always preventable with a little preparation. A few hours of winterizing your home can save you thousands in damage and the headache of living through major repairs.

Not sure if your policy covers freeze damage? Or want to review your coverage before winter really sets in? Give us a call at our Elkins or Buckhannon office. We're happy to review your policy and make sure you're protected.

Stay warm out there!