Massachusetts Home Insurance: Burst Pipes

Massachusetts Insurance Frozen Pipes

When water freezes, it expands. That’s why home pipes can burst causing serious damage to your home, headaches top you and … higher insurance premiums.

In Massachusetts, houses are built with the water pipes located inside of the walls. This helps protect them from freezing weather. However, extremely cold weather like we’ve been experiencing, can lead to freezing and bursting.

Some Frozen Pipe Tips –

  • When should homeowners be alert to the danger of freezing pipes? That depends, but the rule of thumb is about 20°F.
  • Vulnerable pipes that are accessible can be fitted with insulation sleeves, the more insulation the better.
  • Cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes should be sealed with caulking to keep cold wind away from the pipes.
  • Letting a faucet drip during extreme cold weather can prevent a pipe from bursting.
  • If You Suspect a Frozen Pipe –If you open a faucet and no water comes out, don’t take any chances. Call a plumber.
  • If a water pipe bursts, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve, leave the faucets open until repairs are completed.
  • Don’t try to thaw a frozen pipe with an open flame; as this will damage the pipe and may even start a building fire.
  • You might be able to thaw a pipe with a hand-held hair dryer. Slowly apply heat, starting close to the faucet end of the pipe, with the faucet open. Work toward the coldest section.
  • When away from the house for an extended period during the winter, be careful how much you lower the heat. The temperature inside the walls is colder than inside the house.
  • The best solution is to drain the water system. With no water in the pipes, there is no freezing.
  • To drain the system, shut off the main valve and turn on every water fixture (both hot and cold lines) until water stops running.