Prevent Frozen Pipes This Massachusetts Winter

FROZEN PIPES PREEVENTION

Massachusetts winters bring freezing temperatures—and a major spike in frozen pipe and water-damage claims. A burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water an hour, causing serious damage that is often preventable.

Here’s what homeowners should do when temperatures plummet:

Top Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes

  • Keep heat at 70°F or higher, even when away.

  • Let faucets drip to keep water moving.

  • Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air reach the plumbing.

  • Insulate exposed pipes in basements, garages, attics, and crawl spaces.

  • Shut off and drain exterior faucets (even freeze-proof ones).

  • Seal cold-air leaks around pipes, wiring, and foundations.

  • Consider smart leak detectors or temperature monitors, especially for second homes or vacations.

If You Leave for Vacation

  • Keep the heat on (65–70°F).

  • Shut off the main water supply.

  • Have someone check the house regularly.

A few simple steps now can prevent thousands of dollars in damage later.

If you’d like personalized winter-prep advice or want to review your home policy, Johnson & Rohan Insurance is here to help.

Freeze Out

Ice Dam Prevention Tips

On extremely cold days, take the following precautions to help prevent freezing pipes and resulting water damage:

– Maintain higher than normal temperatures (65 degrees +).

– Turn on your faucets and let the water trickle constantly.

– Open cabinet doors under the sinks. This will allow the heat to warm the pipes.

– Insulate pipes. Insulation goes a long way toward preventing freeze ups.

– Your exterior faucets used for your garden hoses should be shut off from inside your basement and left open (even if you have freeze-proof sill cocks).