Prepare for the Winter Freeze & Prevent Frozen Pipes

January 25, 2022

Personal Lines, Property & Casualty, Risk

The winter season brings brisk air and freezing temperatures. Damage to your business or home can occur if you’re not aware of the potential risks of the winter season, or if you don’t have the proper tools at your disposal to prevent damage. Knowledge on how to prevent interruptions, such as frozen pipes, can help reduce losses and alleviate worry.

Business/Commercial Applications

Freezing temperatures can cause the failure of essential equipment. For example, when pipes freeze, it can leave you and your business without running water for critical equipment and fire suppression. By taking early precautions, businesses can avoid disruptions.

Tips to prevent damage from frozen pipes to your business

Add leak sensors to water piping systems
Consider water flow detection and shutoff systems that are integrated into the piping systems that may be at risk in order to minimize damages if a water event occurs
Coordinate low-temperature alarms in areas where water piping systems are present and susceptible to alert necessary personnel
Drain any piping not utilized during the winter months

Homeowners

Did you know that 1 in 50 homeowners will file a water damage or freezing claim, and that these claims account for 24% of all homeowners’ claims^*? The average cost of a water damage or freezing claim is approximately $10,900.

Tips to prevent damage from frozen pipes in your home

Set the heat in your home at a minimum of 55 degrees
Ensure proper insulation and seals by inspecting the windows, louvers, attics, mechanical spaces, and exterior walls.

Key Takeaways

Assemble a proper emergency plan in preparation for a water break/leak
List emergency service providers in an employee handbook (including fire protection and water mitigation clean-up providers)
Ensure leadership on all shifts has the knowledge and tools to respond to an emergency water leak
Document the location and route of water control valves

Early intervention can help prevent damage to your business or home. Please contact your Risk Manager or M3 Account Executive to learn more about potential risks this winter.

^{*Insurance Information Institute: Facts + Statistics: Homeowners and renters insurance}