01/22/2026
Frozen Pipes: Very possible this weekend and into next week. If you have plans to go away this weekend, a word to the wise: Keep the heat on in your house. Sure, maybe turn it down to 67 or 68 but not lower. Open cabinet doors under sinks. The one thing that ruins a weekend away or a vacation is coming home to burst pipes.
Under most Homeowner policies there is an exclusion for damage caused by frozen pipes if you have "failed" to maintain heat in your home. Some policies call out and reference a specific temperature. If you have a Smart thermostat that can either help you or hurt you by recording the set temperature. Insurance companies will ask for the records of the Smart thermostat.
Top 10 Check List:
1. Seal drafty windows and doors as best as possible during extreme low temperatures.
2. Open cabinet doors under sinks.
3. Keep water dripping especially the hot water lines. Hot water pipes freeze before cold water lines.
4. Know where your main water shut off is.
5. Test that you can shut off the main. Some shut offs are so old that they have become stuck in the open position. If you cannot shut it off, call a plumber.
6. If your pipes freeze, but not burst, shut off the main. If they do burst, the only water that can come out is what is in the pipes. Slowly heat the pipes with a hair dryer, portable heater or increasing the heat in the house. Make sure to keep portable heaters away from flammable surfaces and never leave them unattended.
7. If your pipes freezer and burst, if safe to do so, shut off the main. Call a plumber. Clean up standing water as best you can. If the pipe has been pouring water for some time, call a restoration company to help.
8. Take videos and photographs. Do not throw anything away. If something is ruined, bag it and store it outside if necessary. If you have any thoughts about claiming something, you will need to show your insurance company the damaged items.
9. Never use the term Flood when filing an insurance claim for a pipe leak or break.
10. Never dry a wet house by overheating it. Proper drying includes air movement (fans) and dehumidification. Cooking the house could cause mold to grow and you don't want that.