Winters in the Triangle are usually mild. That's part of the problem. When a hard freeze does roll through, many homes around Raleigh aren't ready for it. Pipes in crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls can freeze, and a frozen pipe can split and leak once it starts to thaw.
The good news: most of the prevention is simple, and late October is a great time to do it, before the first real cold snap. Here's a practical checklist, plus a few questions to ask about your home insurance.
Where pipes are most at risk
Pipes are most likely to freeze where they're exposed to cold air and away from your home's heat:
- Crawl spaces, which are common in Triangle homes
- Unheated garages and attics
- Exterior walls, especially on the north side of the house
- Outdoor spigots and hose bibs
- Under kitchen and bathroom sinks on outside walls
Fall prep checklist
1. Disconnect hoses and protect outdoor spigots. Disconnect garden hoses so water doesn't stay trapped in the spigot. If your home has an interior shut-off valve for outdoor faucets, close it and drain the line. Insulated faucet covers are inexpensive and easy to install.
2. Insulate exposed pipes. Foam pipe sleeves from a hardware store can help protect pipes in crawl spaces, garages, and attics. Focus on pipes near vents, doors, or gaps where cold air gets in.
3. Check your crawl space. Look for open or broken vents, gaps, and damaged insulation. If your crawl space has vents you're supposed to close for winter, close them before the first freeze.
4. Seal drafts. Caulk or weatherstrip gaps around pipes where they enter the house, and around windows and doors near plumbing.
5. Know where your main water shut-off is. Find it now, label it, and make sure everyone in the house knows where it is and how to turn it. If a pipe bursts, shutting off the water fast can make a big difference in how much damage you have.
6. Service your heating system. A furnace or heat pump that quits on the coldest night of the year is a pipe risk as well as a comfort problem.
When a hard freeze is in the forecast
- Keep the heat on, even if you're traveling. Many plumbers suggest not setting the thermostat too low.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls so warm air can reach the pipes.
- Let faucets on vulnerable lines drip slightly overnight.
- Keep the garage door closed if water lines run through the garage.
- If you'll be away, ask a neighbor to check on the house, or consider a smart water leak sensor that alerts your phone.
If a pipe bursts
- Shut off the main water valve.
- Turn off electricity to affected areas if water is near outlets or electrical panels, and only if it's safe to do so.
- Take photos and video of the damage before you start cleanup.
- Take reasonable steps to prevent more damage, like moving belongings, removing standing water, and calling a water mitigation company. Keep your receipts.
- Call a licensed plumber to make the repair.
- Contact us or your insurance company to report the claim.
What to ask about your home insurance
Every policy is different, so these are good questions to bring to your agent:
- How does my policy handle sudden water damage from a burst pipe? Many home policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, but terms vary.
- Are there exclusions I should know about? Policies may exclude damage from gradual leaks, wear and tear, or a failure to take reasonable steps to maintain heat in the home. If you have a second home or a property that sits empty, ask about vacancy rules.
- Is flood different? Yes. Water from a burst pipe is generally treated differently from flood water from outside the home. Flood is usually a separate policy.
- Do I have water backup coverage? Water that backs up through a drain or sewer line is often excluded unless you add it.
- What's my deductible? Know the number before you need it.
- Do I get a discount for leak detection devices? Some insurance companies offer one. It's worth asking.
We'll help you review your coverage
At Shadow Lake Insurance, we're an independent agency in Raleigh. We work with several insurance companies, so we can walk you through how your current home policy handles water damage and compare options if something doesn't fit.
Want a second set of eyes on your home policy before winter? Call or text 276-597-9844 or visit shadowlakeinsurance.com.
Coverage subject to policy terms and underwriting. This article is general information, not a description of any specific policy. Follow manufacturer and licensed professional guidance for home maintenance.