Cold weather can lead to frozen pipes. A frozen pipe can lead to a burst pipe. Burst pipes are a common type of insurance claim. Luckily, frozen pipes can be easily prevented. Keep reading to learn more about how frozen pipes are caused and how to prevent them.
Frozen pipes are caused by extremely cold weather. The exact temperature that causes frozen pipes varies depending on how insulated the pipes in your home are. Pipes that run along exterior walls and have little to no insulation are more likely to freeze. Frozen pipes are most common in unheated areas like basements, attics, crawl spaces or garages.
Here’s something you might have forgotten from fifth grade science class: when water freezes, it expands. The expansion puts added pressure on your pipes. When the pipes can’t take the pressure anymore, they crack or burst. The cracked or burst pipes can lead to water spillage which can lead to water damage. This can lead to costly damages.
Burst pipes can cause a lot of damage and can be extremely costly. Luckily, it’s really easy to prevent frozen pipes. Here are a few tips:
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If you turn on the faucet and nothing comes out, or if it’s reduced to just a trickle, frozen pipes may be the culprit. Check to make sure the water is on and look for leaks. If everything else is normal and it’s exceptionally cold outside, you most likely have frozen pipes.
To be sure, you can also look for visual confirmation. If your pipes are visibly covered in frost, it’s likely that the water inside is frozen.
If you have frozen pipes, don’t panic! There are some steps you can take to thaw the pipes and reduce the chance of damage.
Every home insurance policy is different. Some cover water damage and some don’t. Some cover certain types of water damage but not others. Some policies may cover frozen pipes damage while others don’t.
If you live in a particularly cold part of Canada it’s crucial to speak to your insurance broker to understand what coverage you have.
It’s also crucial to note that if you leave your home unattended for an extended period of time (usually a month or more), your home insurance will most likely not cover any damages that occur while you’re gone.
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