Water Damage Claims: Frozen Pipes, Broken Pipes & Plumbing Leaks

Dec 29

It is easy to prevent burst pipes that cause water damage are likely to be refused by insurance companies that cover homeowners. In the event of a disaster, we'll talk about how to avoid it, and also how to ensure that your insurance company doesn't deny this kind of property damage claim.

First, some background. According to Verisk Analytics ISO the property damage claims in general accounted for 98.1% of all homeowners insurance losses "water damage as well as freezing" accounted for almost 1/5th of those property damage claims (source). It's roughly five percent of homeowners ' insurance claims submitted between 2013 and 2017.

The pipe freezes and bursts, leading to water damage and leaks

In the same five-year timeframe one out of fifty homeowners filed water damage claims. The median cost for a claim was $10,182. This is quite a bit of damage to your home! A plumbing leak could cause damage to drywall as well as flooring along with trims, paints as well as windows, doors, furniture, and even other items when pipes are frozen. It's a big mess.

Nobody wants this to occur to their home or business. It is possible to avoid water damage caused due to frozen broken, burst or cracked pipes by following the advice offered.

There are two primary categories of tips to prevent freezing pipes as well as the damage they cause: controlling air temperature and controlling water flow.

Control Temperatures of Air by Insulating Water Pipes

Sealing leaks that allow cold air into the walls in which water pipes are installed is feasible. There are a variety of items that are able to aid you in this. We provide insulating foam sealant to our customers as well as their residences. It is used to seal the gaps in siding, and cracks at the point where wiring can enter the home.

Caulking the possibility of leaks is a good idea, as well. Keep in mind that water damage caused by broken pipes is the most frequent when pipes that are used for water in the exterior are frozen. This is why it is a great start when you are trying to prevent frozen plumbing issues.

For easy methods to insulate your water pipes, check out pipes insulation products at stores such as Home Depot. There is also a product called "heat tape" which allows you to warm pipes as needed so that they don't get frozen in the winter. To do this, it's advised to call a professional plumber.

Control the flow of water to Prevent Freezing:

If temperatures plummet dramatically this winter, ensure that your water pipes aren't frozen by keeping a few faucets on until the cold air moves out.

It is also important to shut off exterior water valves and disconnect your water hose from your spicket. Water will not drain out of the hosebib when the hose is not connected. When temperatures drop, this will result in freezing, and the hose will burst. If temperatures drop to the point that you can't use your hose anymore, turn off the hose and then disconnect it to keep it from freezing.