Did your pipes burst during Texas’ winter storm? Here’s what to expect from insurance
Homeowners and renters across Texas have left water in all of their faucets running since Sunday to prevent one thing from happening: pipes bursting.
So what can you expect if the worst case scenario happens and come Friday or Saturday or even Sunday you notice a trickle of water running down your wall or water flooding your home because your pipes broke?
Chris Pilcic, a public affairs specialist for State Farm, said to first keep calm. Then, turn your water supply off and let all the remaining water in your pipes drain out
Next step, look over your damage, both to your property and your personal belongings. And then call your insurance agent.
“The average frozen pipe claim we paid in Texas last year was $10,300,” Pilcic said on Wednesday.
What comes out of your pocket will depend on your coverage and deductible.
Camille Garcia with Insurance Council of Texas said your insurance policy should cover broken pipes and the damage caused by it, but every homeowner would have to call their agent to see exactly how their coverage works.
Garcia also said if a homeowner suspects their pipes might burst, it’s better to call their agent now than later.
“Find out exactly what is covered under your specific policy,” she said. “Ask the question, what is the coverage? Is my personal property covered? Is the food in my fridge covered because my electricity went out? That way you can make a decision today on how to act.”
For renters with insurance, Garcia said their policy will cover what you own inside of the home, again, depending on your coverage levels.
“The renters policy does not cover the structure or the property at all,” Garcia said. “If the pipe breaks, it’s your landlord who is responsible for the property itself.”
Tips for keeping your pipes from freezing
Tony Chandler, a plumber with Tom’s Plumbing in Arlington, said there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
Be sure to keep your water running, especially overnight. Just a light drip from your hot and cold water will keep liquid moving through the pipes and reduce the chances of freezing.
Be sure to keep cabinets containing plumbing open, especially when that plumbing is on an outside wall. That will keep warm air flowing through the cabinets and reduce the chances of a pipe bursting in your house.
The Fort Worth Water Department also offered advice on what to do.
If a resident has no water and thinks it may be because of a frozen pipe, it is safest to call a plumber to handle the problem, the water department said in a news release. The pipe may be cracked and will burst when thawed. Using an electrical appliance to heat the pipe could cause the pipe to burst, creating the risk of electrocution.
If someone suspects a water main is broken, report the location immediately by calling 817-392-4477 so it can be repaired as soon as possible. Signs of a broken water main are water running down the street and buckled pavement. Don’t assume your neighbor called and do not use email or social media to report main breaks. These communication channels are not constantly monitored, and this could cause a delayed response.
Reporter James Hartley contributed to this story.
This story was originally published February 17, 2021 at 4:01 PM.
