--- title: Frozen Pipes - Protect Your Pipes From Freezing description: Frozen Pipes -- Protect Your Pipes From Freezing image: https://disastersafety.org/wp-content/uploads/Frozen-pipes-graphic_IBHS.jpg --- [![DEM Header Logo.png](https://www.demsure.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2018%20Redesign/DEM%20Header%20Logo.png?width=460&name=DEM%20Header%20Logo.png "DEM Header Logo.png")](https://www.demsure.com/) # Dempsey Insurance Agency Blog # Frozen Pipes - Protect Your Pipes From Freezing [Kate Dempsey](https://www.demsure.com/blog/author/kate-dempsey) Dec 17, 2015 9:42:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Don't worry! This winter doesn't have to be like the last. Preparation is the key to prevention! Here are some tips for you on making sure you do everything possible so your pipes stay warm and cozy this season.  Water damage restoration can get pricey. That’s why it’s best to understand your risk of water damage. Don’t get stuck with expensive water damage repair and water damage cleanup. A burst pipe can result from frozen pipes, so you must keep pipes from freezing. Keep reading for more information to help you gauge your water damage risk. - Insulate all accessible pipes using pipe insulation (this can be found at your local hardware store). - Prior to the winter months, ensure that all cracks, holes, and other openings on the exterior walls are sealed tightly with caulk or insulation to prevent cold air from penetrating the wall cavity. - Disconnect all hoses from hose bibs and install insulating covers over the hose bibs. - Keep all exterior entry, exit and garage doors to unheated spaces closed as much as possible during the winter months. - If the temperature drops lower than usual and any pipes are located adjacent to exterior walls or within base cabinets or in closets, leave the cabinet/closet doors open or use a fan to increase warm air circulation around the pipes. - In areas of severe cold weather, pay close attention to local weather reports for notice of extreme cold weather.   - When extreme cold weather is predicted, let all faucets drip to prevent freezing of the water inside the pipe, and if freezing does occur, to relieve pressure buildup in the pipes between the ice blockage and the faucet. The pressure buildup is the actual cause of bursting pipes. - Install a water leak detection system, available at your plumbing supply store, which will alert someone in your household if a water leak is detected. - Shut off the water supply during periods when the home may be unoccupied, particularly when colder weather is expected. - Be sure to drain your water supply system before leaving the home unoccupied. [![Frozen-pipes-graphic_IBHS](https://disastersafety.org/wp-content/uploads/Frozen-pipes-graphic_IBHS.jpg) ](https://disastersafety.org/wp-content/uploads/Frozen-pipes-graphic_IBHS.jpg) ## Check for Frozen Pipes - Turn on each water supply faucet individually (both hot and cold) to ensure that there is a steady stream of water present. - If the flow of water is slowed, or worse, there is no flow, then it is likely that your pipe has frozen. - Identify the blockage (probably the area of most exposure) and use a blow dryer (do NOT use an open flame torch!) to heat the supply line, while leaving the faucet open. - Continue heating the pipe until there is a steady flow of water. [![Freezing-Bursting-Pipes_IBHS-White-Cover](https://disastersafety.org/wp-content/uploads/Freezing-Bursting-Pipes_IBHS-White-Cover-231x300.jpg) ](http://disastersafety.org/wp-content/uploads/Freezing-Bursting-Pipes_IBHS-White.pdf) Frozen water pipes can lead to burst pipes if proper precautions aren’t taken. Learn how to prevent frozen pipes using this helpful guide. ## Clear Debris From Drains and Gutters To maintain proper drainage and reduce the risk of leaks in basements: - Clear debris from basement drains. - Make sure gutters are clean and stable to ensure proper drainage.   **Source:** [https://disastersafety.org/ibhs-risks-freezing-weather/frozen-pipes/](http://insurance.mapfreusa.com/winter_fb/clkg/https/disastersafety.org/ibhs-risks-freezing-weather/frozen-pipes/) Topics: [homeowners insurance agency norwood](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/homeowners-insurance-agency-norwood), [Winterize your home](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/winterize-your-home), [#prep4winter](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/prep4winter) ### Get a Free Quote! ### Recent Posts ### Join Our Mailing List ### Posts by Topic - [homeowners insurance agency norwood (10)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/homeowners-insurance-agency-norwood) - [Homeowners Insurance (9)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/homeowners-insurance) - [Insurance Norwood (9)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/insurance-norwood) - [auto insurance norwood (9)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/auto-insurance-norwood) - [#prep4winter (7)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/prep4winter) - [Car Insurance (6)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/car-insurance) - [Commercial Auto Insurance (6)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/commercial-auto-insurance) - [insurance agency norwood (6)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/insurance-agency-norwood) - [Condo Insurance Norwood (5)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/condo-insurance-norwood) - [Snow (5)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/snow) - [auto insurance agent Massachusetts (5)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/auto-insurance-agent-massachusetts) - [home insurance agent (5)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/home-insurance-agent) - [Business Insurance (4)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/business-insurance) - [Covid-19 (4)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/covid-19) - [Home Insurance (4)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/home-insurance) - [Winterweather (4)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/winterweather) - [condo unit insurance (4)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/condo-unit-insurance) - [massachusetts insurance agent (4)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/massachusetts-insurance-agent) - [Cold Weather (3)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/cold-weather) - [Freezing Pipes (3)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/freezing-pipes) - [Personal Insurance (3)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/personal-insurance) - [RMV (3)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/rmv) - [Winterize your home (3)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/winterize-your-home) - [thanksgiving (3)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/thanksgiving) - [winter driving (3)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/winter-driving) - [#HOME MAINTENANCE (2)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/home-maintenance) - [#waterdamage (2)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/waterdamage) - [Auto Accidents (2)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/auto-accidents) - [Ice Damn Prevention (2)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/ice-damn-prevention) - [Ice Dams (2)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/ice-dams) - [MA License (2)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/ma-license) - [Sleet (2)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/sleet) - [Special Olympics August Games (2)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/special-olympics-august-games) - [condo insurance Walpole (2)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/condo-insurance-walpole) - [loss assessment coverage (2)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/loss-assessment-coverage) - [massachusetts auto insurance policy (2)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/massachusetts-auto-insurance-policy) - [umbrella policy norwood (2)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/umbrella-policy-norwood) - [#summersafety (1)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/summersafety) - [BOPinsurance (1)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/bopinsurance) - [Hand's Free Driving in MA (1)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/hands-free-driving-in-ma) - [Hand's Free Driving in Massachusetts (1)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/hands-free-driving-in-massachusetts) - [MA ID (1)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/ma-id) - [Over The Edge (1)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/over-the-edge) - [boat insurance norwood (1)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/boat-insurance-norwood) - [condo versus homeowners (1)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/condo-versus-homeowners) - [flood insurance canton (1)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/flood-insurance-canton) - [flood insurance norwood (1)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/flood-insurance-norwood) - [flood insurance walpole (1)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/flood-insurance-walpole) - [flood zone (1)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/flood-zone) - [headlight law (1)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/headlight-law) - [mortgage insurance requirements (1)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/mortgage-insurance-requirements) - [travel safety (1)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/travel-safety) - [what is an umbrella policy (1)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/what-is-an-umbrella-policy) - [what is the new headlight law in massachusetts? (1)](https://www.demsure.com/blog/topic/what-is-the-new-headlight-law-in-massachusetts) [see all](https://www.demsure.com/blog/frozen-pipes-protect-your-pipes-from-freezing#) [![Dempsey Footer.png](https://www.demsure.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2018%20Redesign/Logos/Dempsey%20Footer.png?width=373&name=Dempsey%20Footer.png "Dempsey Footer.png")](https://www.demsure.com) Phone: 781-762-0042 Fax: 781-769-7730 FrontDesk@demsure.com 145 Railroad Avenue Norwood, MA 02062 Blog Feed © 2026 Dempsey Insurance Agency | [Privacy Policy](https://www.demsure.com/disclaim) This material is for informational purposes only. All statements herein are subject to the provisions, exclusions and conditions of the applicable policy, state and federal laws. For an actual description of coverage, terms and conditions, please refer to the applicable insurance policy or check with your insurance professional. The illustrations, instructions and principles contained in the material are general in scope and, to the best of our knowledge, current at the time of publication. **HOW WE ARE PAID FOR OUR SERVICES** Our insurance agency is committed to dealing fairly with complete integrity and transparency with consumers, other insurance producers and others with whom we work in providing insurance products and services. To that end, we provide this disclosure regarding our sources of compensation from insurance companies or other parties. Our agency may receive compensation in the form of commissions paid by an insurance company, calculated as a percentage of premiums, pursuant to an arrangement with the insurance company. These commissions are for the service we perform in placing and servicing insurance policies on the insurance company’s behalf. Our agency may also be eligible to receive other forms of compensation such as incentive or contingency payments or bonuses and/or supplemental commissions from insurance companies. These may be based on our aggregate historical or current performance with respect to a line of business or customer segment and not specifically related to any particular policy or policyholder. Other insurance producers who perform service in placing and servicing insurance through our agency may receive compensation from our agency in the form of service fees as determined by our agency’s arrangement with such producer. Our agency may hold premium or return premium funds temporarily, in which case our agency may receive interest or investment income on such funds.   Website Built & Powered by [Jump Suit Group](https://www.jumpsuitgroup.com/)