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Winter Temperatures Could Lead to Frozen Pipes

By November 3, 2025No Comments
Blog - Frozen Pipes

Winter is here, which means freezing temperatures are becoming a normal occurrence. For some of you, that means you are nestling in at home and hoping for a mild winter, but for others, it may mean you are making plans to head south for the winter. Either way, this article is for you!            

During the winter months, the insurance industry gears up for a new wave of water damage claims from frozen pipes. Did you know that on average frozen water pipes cost the industry about $1.5 billion per year? Yes, you read that right, $1.5 billon. To make matters worse, recent trends show that number is steadily increasing due to inflation and aging infrastructure! From the insurance industries prospective, water loss is the second most common claim behind wind and hail damage.

Why should we as the everyday homeowner care? Well, these large claims are a majorcontributing factor in the recent home insurance rate increases. Additionally, water losses not only cost the insurance company money, but they cost the homeowner their deductible as well as the time and hassle of dealing with the repairs. Thus, we should stay vigilant as homeowners to protect our home from the elements.

Here are a few ways to prevent your pipes from freezing this winter:

1. Maintain heat to the home.
  • This may seem obvious, but statistics show the most common cause of frozen pipes was inadequate heat. If you are planning to leave your home for the winter, and want to cut down on the heating bill you must shut off all water to the home and drain all lines completely. Consider hiring a professional if you are unfamiliar with the process.
2. Identify where your plumbing system is located & insulate it properly.
  • If your plumbing is in an unheated attic, crawlspace, or exterior wall you will need to make sure it is properly insulated or your pipes are at risk. Close crawlspace vents, seal any cracks where cold air may get in, and cover all hose bibs with a faucet cover.
3. On particularly cold nights, it’s a good idea to open your cabinet doors to let the warm air circulate to the pipes under your sink.
4. Allow your faucets to drip overnight when temperatures are expected to drop below freezing.

If you take all the precautions and still find yourself with a busted pipe, shut off the water at the main shutoff valve in the home to prevent further damage. Attempt to dry up as much water as possible. Then, contact your insurance agent to report the loss. If you’re in need of a local insurance agent feel free to give me a call!