My Pipes Are Frozen: Is This Covered by Insurance?

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

Always take action to prevent frozen pipes.

When winter weather strikes Heiskell, TN, one of every homeowner’s biggest fears is frozen pipes. Dealing with the water damage cleanup after a pipe burst is bad enough, but then there is also the headache of navigating the insurance claim process.

My Pipes Are Frozen: What Should I Do?

Although frozen pipes are an all-too-common occurrence in the winter months, many homeowners aren’t aware that their pipes have frozen until the pipes burst. If you notice that your pipes have frozen, you may be able to reduce the pressure and prevent a burst.

If your pipes are frozen but intact: Turn on the faucet(s) that is served by the frozen pipe. Using a hairdryer, heat the pipe, starting at the faucet and moving along the pipe toward the frozen section.

If your pipes have burst: First, locate the water cut-off valve for your house and shut off the incoming water to the house to prevent additional damage. Then, contact a water remediation company. These professionals have the equipment and experience to clean up the water quickly and completely.

Will Insurance Cover the Damage?

Once your initial cleanup is underway, it’s time to start on your insurance claim. Homeowners' insurance typically covers water damage if the cause of the damage is accidental and sudden. A pipe burst usually qualifies; however, you may not be covered if you exacerbated the situation, such as by failing to adequately heat the home or by not turning the water off to an unoccupied house. Most homeowners insurance policies will cover necessary home repairs caused by water damage. If you must cut into a wall to access the pipe, the cost of cutting into and then repairing the wall will usually be covered. Most policies do not, however, cover the cost of repairing the pipe itself.
When freezing temperatures are in the forecast, always take action to prevent frozen pipes, if possible. Have your homeowner's information nearby just in case you need to file an insurance claim.