Will insurance cover frozen pipes?

Freezing winter temperatures puts the squeeze on pipes – literally. 

That’s because water expands as it freezes. When it does, it puts tremendous pressure on metal or plastic pipes. The expanding water can cause them to break.

Pipes that freeze most frequently are:

• Those exposed to severe cold such as outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool and water sprinkler lines
• Pipes in unheated interior areas such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages or kitchen cabinets
• Any pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation such as in an older home.

Left unprotected, they can freeze in as little as six to eight hours at 0 C (32 F), which can happen overnight. Even when temperatures rise, the threat isn’t over. Pipes in many residences can burst as they thaw.

Once they do, it can leave you with no water and expensive property damage. It can create mould, damage electrical systems, walls, floors, create flooding risks and potentially damage HVAC systems.

As a homeowner, the best approach is to be proactive.

How to prevent it

• Insulate indoor pipes most prone to freezing near outside walls, in crawl spaces and the attic. This can be done with foam pipe covers available from home improvement stores.
• Seal air leaks in your home and garage to stop cold air from getting in. Check around windows and doors, electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes.
• Outdoor lines freeze first. In the fall, unscrew any hoses, turn off the outdoor water supply and let the taps drain.

When temperatures fall below zero 

• Keep your house warm, especially near the water meter, even when you’re away.
• If there are water supply lines in the garage, keep the doors closed. 
• Open kitchen, bathroom and laundry cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.

The most destructive pipe-freezing events happen when homeowners are away. Here’s what to do:

• Close the main valve that supplies water to your home. Open a cold water tap in the basement to drain any remaining water.
• Ensure the heat is on and have someone check your home daily. Note: Many home insurance policies require this.
• Run a pencil-thin stream of water to ensure some movement of water from the lowest point in the house, usually a laundry room sink or tub. Note: You’ll pay for water used if you opt for this method.
• Install a frozen pipe alarm that will alert your cellphone when your temperatures drop too low.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during the day and night. You may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair if pipes burst.

How to spot a frozen pipe

Some signs to watch for include:

• Icy patches or frost on exposed pipes
• Weak or no water flow when turning on a faucet
• An unusual smell coming from a drain or faucet
• Strange noises such as banging or whistling

More severe or obvious signs could be:

• Puddles, damp spots, or dripping water on your wall or ceiling
• A cracked or bulged pipe

What to do if they’re frozen

Act quickly to minimize damage. Experts suggest:

1. Turn off the water – Shut off your water from the main supply valve.
2. Locate the pipe– If it isn’t obvious, be sure to check under sinks and colder areas of your home. 
3. Relieve pressure – Open any faucet that is connected to the pipe. Doing so will allow pressure to escape, which can help minimize further damage.

The Canadian Home Inspection Services suggests you begin the thawing process close to the affected faucet and work your way down to the blockage. If melted water and ice get caught behind the blockage, the chance the pipe will burst increases.

One of the easiest ways to thaw them is with a hair dryer. You can also use hot towels. Never use an open flame. It is a fire hazard. Depending on the outside temperature and the extent of the freezing, the thawing process could take between one and six hours. Once the pipe is thawed, turn the water back on slowly and check for cracks and leaks.

If a pipe does burst, turn off the water and call a plumber immediately.

Does my insurance cover this?

Insurance companies require homeowners to keep their homes in good condition. The Insurance Bureau of Canada says standard home policies will cover freezing and burst pipe damage provided the pipes are in the heated portion of the home and reasonable steps are taken to maintain heat.

Speak with your broker to know what your policy covers. Finally, if your pipes do burst, most insurers have 24/7 claims reporting. Call immediately to start the claims process.

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