Protect Your Home & Pipes During Sub-Zero Temperatures ❄️

Sub-zero temperatures are a reality of winter in Chicago and across the Midwest, and when the mercury drops, your home faces more than just uncomfortable cold—it faces real risk. One of the most common and costly winter claims we see involves frozen and burst pipes, which can cause extensive water damage in a very short amount of time.

The good news? A few proactive steps can significantly reduce your risk and help protect both your home and your finances during extreme cold.

Why Sub-Zero Weather Is So Dangerous for Pipes

When water freezes, it expands. If that happens inside a pipe—especially in unheated or poorly insulated areas—it can create pressure that causes the pipe to crack or burst. Once temperatures rise and the ice melts, water can flood walls, ceilings, and floors before you even realize there’s a problem.

In Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin where we we are licensed, homes are especially vulnerable due to prolonged cold snaps and severe wind chills.

High-risk areas include:

• Basements and crawl spaces

• Garages

• Exterior walls

• Attics

• Under sinks

• Vacation or rarely occupied homes

7 Ways to Protect Your Pipes Before the Freeze Hits

1. Keep Your Heat On — Even If You’re Away

If you’re traveling, keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F. Completely turning off heat is one of the most common causes of frozen pipes and denied claims.

2. Let Faucets Drip During Extreme Cold

Allowing faucets to drip slightly keeps water moving and reduces the chance of freezing—especially for plumbing on exterior walls.

3. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape on exposed plumbing in:

• Basements

• Garages

• Crawl spaces

• Utility rooms

This is a low-cost preventative step that can help avoid high-dollar water losses.

4. Open Cabinet Doors

Open cabinets under kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes, especially during overnight freezes.

5. Seal Drafts & Air Leaks

Cold air entering through small gaps can freeze pipes quickly. Check for drafts near:

• Foundation walls

• Basement windows

• Exterior doors

• Utility penetrations

Seal problem areas with caulk or weather stripping.

6. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses

Remove hoses, shut off exterior water valves if possible, and drain remaining water to prevent freezing inside interior supply lines.

7. Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Is

If a pipe bursts, shutting off the main water supply immediately can drastically limit damage. Make sure everyone in your household knows where it’s located.

Extra Protection: Smart Water Monitoring Technology

To help homeowners better protect against water damage, Farmers® has partnered with Moen® to offer customers access to the Moen® Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff.

This device:

• Monitors your home’s water usage 24/7

• Detects leaks (including those caused by frozen or burst pipes)

• Can automatically shut off your water to help prevent major damage

• Sends real-time alerts to your phone

Farmers customers may be eligible for an exclusive discount on the Moen® Flo device.

👉 Schedule an appointment to ask me how to receive the exclusive offer and whether this technology may be a good fit for your home.

What To Do If Your Pipes Freeze

If you suspect a frozen pipe:

• Turn off the water immediately

• Open affected faucets to relieve pressure

• Apply gentle heat (hair dryer, warm towels)

• Never use open flames

• Call a licensed plumber if the pipe cannot be safely thawed

Does Home Insurance Cover Frozen or Burst Pipes?

In many cases, homeowners insurance does cover sudden water damage caused by frozen or burst pipes—however, coverage, requirements, and limits vary by carrier and policy.

Important things to know:

• Some policies have limits on water damage claims

• Certain carriers require heat to be maintained at all times

• Coverage may be restricted if the home is vacant or unoccupied

• Damage caused by failure to take reasonable precautions may not be covered

Understanding these details before a loss occurs is critical.

Complimentary Policy Review Available

We offer a complimentary homeowners insurance policy review to help you:

• Understand your water damage coverage and limits

• Identify potential gaps related to frozen pipes

• Review requirements during winter travel or vacancy

• Learn about loss-prevention tools available through your carrier

If you own a home in Illinois, Michigan, or Wisconsin, our team is happy to help—no obligation.

📞 Contact us today to schedule your complimentary policy review.

Stay Warm. Stay Protected. Stay Prepared.

Midwest winters can be unforgiving, but preparation goes a long way. Taking preventative steps now can help you avoid costly repairs, unexpected claims issues, and major disruptions during the coldest months of the year.

Don’t Forget About Cold Weather Preparedness for Your Vehicle 🚗❄️

Sub-zero Midwest temperatures can also take a toll on your vehicle. Cold weather increases the likelihood of dead batteries, tire pressure loss, frozen fuel lines, and reduced visibility. Make sure your vehicle is winter-ready by checking your battery health, keeping tires properly inflated, using winter-grade windshield washer fluid, and maintaining at least a half-tank of gas during extreme cold. It’s also a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car with blankets, gloves, a flashlight, and jumper cables—especially when driving in Midwest winter conditions.

Insurance Disclaimer

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a guarantee of coverage, endorsement, or eligibility for any specific product or discount. Coverage availability, limits, exclusions, discounts, and eligibility requirements vary by carrier and individual policy. All claims are subject to carrier underwriting guidelines and policy terms. Please refer to your specific policy or contact a licensed insurance professional for details.