If low temperatures cause water to freeze inside pipes, pressure can build up and cause weak points inside the pipe to burst. Unfortunately, water may then pour into your home and cause damage.

How to handle a pipe that bursts

• First, 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 plumber for help as soon as possible.
• Your safety is most important. Please do not attempt potentially dangerous repairs. Be aware of submerged electrical outlets, appliances or chemicals that may be inside standing water.

Report your claim

Report a homeowner claim once you’ve safely secured your home from more damage.

First, protect yourself and others
Stay indoors during the storm. Because large pieces of hail can shatter windows — close your drapes, blinds or window shades to prevent the wind from blowing broken glass inside. Be sure to stay away from skylights and doors and move vehicles into a garage or shelter to minimize damage. Stay tuned to the radio for updates on additional approaching storms.

Next, protect your property
Assess any damage to your home. If hail has damaged the outside of your home or exposed any part of the interior, take steps to protect it from more damage. This may mean making temporary repairs until a professional can help. If you find glass damage on your vehicle, carefully remove any glass from the interior, then cover the damaged area with a tarp to prevent water damage.

Report Your Claim
Report a homeowner claim once you’ve safely secured your home from more damage.

These tips can help you begin to prepare your home for the cold months ahead and may help you avoid unnecessary claims (and aggravation!)

Avoid ice dams.
Ice dams can form at the lower edge of your sloped roof when interior heat causes the snow to melt and refreeze. Once an ice dam forms, it blocks water from draining off the roof and forces the water inside, which can cause serious damage to your home’s interior.

Do:

• Ensure your attic is properly ventilated and nicely insulated to minimize the amount of heat rising through the attic.
• Inspect your home for air leaks in the ceiling so warm air doesn’t leak into the attic. Doing so will not only prevent ice dams from forming, it will limit cold air drafts inside and reduce energy bills.

Prevent water damage from bursting pipes.

Do:

• Scope out places where pipes are most likely to freeze, like attics and crawl spaces.
• Secure insulation sleeves over any exposed pipes.
• Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes with caulking.
• Allow slow trickles of water to flow through faucets connected to pipes in unheated areas.

Don’t:

• Forget to seal extra spaces around cable, satellite or telephone line openings as well.

Keep your sidewalks and driveways clear of ice and snow.

Do:

• Shovel your driveway frequently to remove snow and ice.
• Use sandbox sand to add traction to slippery surfaces and prevent falls.

Inspect heating systems and alternative heating sources.

Do:

• Inspect any heating systems, chimneys or other supplemental heating devices before winter to ensure they’re working properly.

Don’t:

• Ever leave wood stoves, space heaters or fireplaces unattended.

Properly shut down a vacant home.

Do:

• Give a trusted neighbor a key so they can check the house periodically to account for any unforeseen damage and discourage burglars.
• Drain your water lines if you will be away from home for the winter months.
• Turn down the heat, but DON’T shut it off completely.

As weather pattern changes continue to impact insurance claims, homeowners should consider additional policy options to make premiums more affordable, including coverage add-ons for valuables damaged by water during a sewer, drainage or sump-pump back-up.

If you do have a claim, contact Brown Insurance immediately.