Winter Pipe Breaks: How Did This Happen?

Water damage from a pipe break can be expensive in terms of cleanup costs and potential equipment and property damage. The all too often question after a pipe burst, "How did this happen," is a good question, and fortunately, there are some simple answers.

Pipes can burst or rupture for several reasons. However, most pipe failures during the winter months are related to freezing conditions in or around the area adjoining the pipe. Two conditions are required for pipe freezing and subsequent rupture, a pipe is full of still or nearly still water, while subfreezing temperatures surround the pipe. 

The freezing water expands and increases the pressure against the inside of the pipe. This increased pressure exceeds the strength of the pipe causing it to rupture. The rupture is not detected until the ice which is inside the pipe thaws when the temperature surrounding the pipe rises and water starts flowing.

Most pipe breaks under these conditions occur when a pipe is in uninsulated or inadequately insulated exterior walls, above the insulation in attics, or in crawl spaces. The temperatures in these spaces, although typically above freezing in mild winter weather, tend to drop below freezing in extremely cold weather or if the sub-freezing weather lasts for several days. 

Tips For Preventing Frozen Pipes in the Winter

1. Seal all penetrations where cold air may be coming in from the outside. 
2. Use caulk or installation to fill any holes that could lead to dropped temperatures near a pipe. 
3. Keep temperatures in the home or building above freezing. Many insurance policies, rental agreements, and HOA covenants require interior spaces in some areas to be above a specified minimum temperature.
4. The National Fire Protection Association has minimum standards for freeze protection of fire protection/suppression piping to follow.
5. Open cabinets where pipes are present to let warm air in.
6. Disconnect hoses from the outside of the property and drain the piping leading to the water hose connection.
7. Insulate and install heat tracing on copper, iron, or steel piping susceptible to freezing.
8. If remodeling or starting new construction, route piping near an interior wall, ceiling, or floor, where it can receive heat from the interior space with insulation installed above the pipe. Most building codes provide specific requirements.
9. If you have a septic system, insulate the top of the septic tank in the fall by placing foam insulation boards on the ground and covering it with leaves.

What To Do When Pipes Burst

If, despite taking all necessary precautions, a pipe freeze or burst occurs, it is crucial to take immediate action. Begin by identifying the water shut-off valves, including the primary shut-off. If the sole primary shut-off valve is located at the utility water meter, consider enlisting the services of a plumber to install an additional valve in a readily accessible area indoors. 

Upon detecting the rupture, promptly turn off the water supply. Subsequently, inform your insurance provider's claims department without delay and adhere to their directives. They might request you to manage the situation or engage a restoration specialist to effectively dry the affected area, mitigating potential damage.

If a pipe is discovered frozen but has not thawed, it is best to hire a plumber to thaw the piping and repair it if needed to reduce the likelihood of a water damage claim

The Role of a Claims Representative Following a Pipe Burst

When a pipe burst claim is received, it's imperative for claims representatives to act swiftly and strategically. The first step is to engage an expert as soon as the claim is reported. Ideally, an inspection should be conducted before any disturbance to the site occurs, allowing for a thorough assessment of the situation. However, if logistical challenges arise, particularly during periods of high volumes, such as after a severe freeze, efforts should be made to preserve as much evidence as possible for later review.

This preservation of evidence entails collecting comprehensive documentation, including photographs depicting the ruptured pipe and its surroundings, with particular attention to the presence or absence of insulation. Additionally, evidence indicating the absence of heat, such as thermostat settings, disconnected furnaces, or malfunctioning fixtures like toilets, should be documented. It's also essential to retain the ruptured pipe itself, along with a segment of pipe extending 12 to 18 inches in each direction, as these components will be crucial for determining the cause of the rupture during inspection.

During the scheduled site inspection, it's preferred that claims representatives are present before any piping is covered up, allowing for a thorough examination. If water is still turned on in the structure, water pressure measurements should be taken at appropriate locations to aid in the investigation. It's important to discern freeze damage from other potential causes, such as improper installation or product defects, which may require detailed analysis.

Moreover, historical weather data should be obtained to verify the occurrence of subfreezing temperatures in the area surrounding the loss. In cases where litigation seems likely, the use of forensic weather contractors may be necessary to develop weather data suitable for legal proceedings, albeit at additional costs. 

By following these systematic steps and gathering comprehensive evidence, claims representatives can effectively assess and manage claims related to pipe bursts, ensuring fair and accurate resolution for all parties involved.

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