Frozen Pipes and Home Insurance: What North Idaho Homeowners Should Know

Cold temperatures are simply part of winter in North Idaho. Unfortunately, so are frozen pipes.

A frozen pipe can be more than an inconvenience. If a pipe freezes and bursts, the resulting water damage can affect flooring, drywall, cabinets, furniture, and other parts of your home. A relatively small plumbing problem can quickly turn into a major repair.

So, does homeowners insurance cover damage from frozen pipes?

In many cases, homeowners insurance may cover sudden and accidental water damage caused by a burst pipe, depending on the circumstances and your individual policy. However, there can be an important catch: homeowners are generally expected to take reasonable steps to maintain the home and prevent pipes from freezing.

For example, if a home is left without heat for an extended period during freezing weather, coverage could be affected. This is especially important for seasonal homes, vacation properties, or homes that sit empty while the owners travel during the winter.

How Can You Help Prevent Frozen Pipes?

A few simple precautions can make a big difference:

• Insulate pipes in crawlspaces, garages, and other cold areas.
• Disconnect outdoor hoses before freezing temperatures arrive.
• Know where your main water shutoff is located.
• Keep your home adequately heated, even when you are away.
• Open cabinet doors during extreme cold to allow warmer air around plumbing.
• Consider temperature sensors or water leak detection devices.
• Have someone check your home if you will be gone for an extended period.

If temperatures become extremely cold, allowing a small amount of water to flow through particularly vulnerable pipes may also help prevent freezing.

What If You're Leaving North Idaho for the Winter?

If you head somewhere warmer for part of the winter, do not assume you can simply turn the heat down and leave.

Insurance policies may contain requirements regarding vacant or unoccupied homes, especially when freezing temperatures are involved. Before leaving for an extended period, talk with your insurance agent about your particular policy.

This is also a great time to consider technology such as water sensors, low-temperature alerts, and automatic water shutoff systems. These devices can alert you to a problem before a small leak becomes significant water damage.

What Should You Do If a Pipe Bursts?

If it is safe to do so, shut off the home's water supply as quickly as possible. Take photos or video of the damage and contact your insurance company or agent. You should also take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage, such as contacting a plumber or water mitigation company.

Avoid throwing damaged items away until you have spoken with your claims adjuster unless doing so is necessary for safety.

Bottom line: homeowners insurance may help with sudden water damage from a burst frozen pipe, but prevention and proper home maintenance matter. Before North Idaho's coldest weather arrives, take a few minutes to protect your pipes and review your insurance coverage.