When cold weather hits, most people run for their warmest tuques and mitts. Here at Insurance Buddy, one of the first things we think about is homes and home insurance! Cold snaps can cause damage, especially if you’re unprepared. Given the bout of extreme cold weather we experienced this month in Toronto, we thought it would be a good time to go over best practices for preventing water damage from freezing pipes.

Did you know that water damage is in fact the leading cause of claims for home insurance recently, surpassing fire damage in the last few years?

When temperatures dip, one of the biggest concerns is frozen water pipes. When they burst, this can result in some pretty serious damage and of course, the resultant insurance claim.

Here are some tips for preventing a frozen pipe scenario:

– First and foremost, if your pipes do freeze or burst, you need to know where your main water valve is so that you can shut it off as soon as possible.
– Insulate pipes (pipe covers sold at hardware stores make this easy!) that are in most contact with the outside elements, such as those closest to outside walls or those in colder parts of your house such as the garage or attic.
– Do what you can to keep your indoor pipes warmer, such as by opening cupboards or doors to allow warm air from the house to circulate, or by keeping your garage doors closed. Don’t forget to seal any air leaks!
– Address your outdoor faucets by unscrewing hoses, turning off outdoor water and draining the taps.

Are you planning a holiday?

If you’re going to be away for an extended period during a time when a cold snap is possible, take some precautions. You can turn off your water and drain it by opening the taps. You can also allow a drip of cold water to run continuously to keep water moving in the pipes. And it’s always a good idea to have someone watching your property and checking in on your home for any extended absence.

Want more tips specific to the GTA? Wondering how to thaw pipes? Can’t find the source of freezing and would like someone from the city to come and check things out? Check out this resource from the city of Toronto.

Looking for other ways to cut your home insurance costs? Read this post for some tips, or simply contact us via phone (1-855-237-2905) or our online quote system. We are here to help you save on your home insurance!

Image source: FreeDigitalPhotos.net | pixtawan