We all go to great lengths to protect our homes from dangers that could cause damage. From fires and storms to mold and water, being a homeowner can be risky when the weight of these disasters falls on your shoulders.

That is where homeowners insurance comes in. Like any other insurance plan, homeowners insurance helps you pay for damages caused to your house from a variety of different causes.

One of the biggest risks to our homes is one that isn’t always covered in a traditional homeowners policy, water.

Water damage can come in a variety of different forms. Especially this time of year. Winter water damage is oftentimes the least expected type of water damage. But actually, it is something you should be on the lookout for as temperatures drop. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of winter water damage to your home.

Common Causes of Winter Water Damage

Burst Pipe

Pipes are subject to freezing as temperatures drop in the winter. A frozen pipe presents a lot of danger to your home as it is likely to burst. The frozen water within a pipe alone isn’t enough to make a pipe burst but the pressure that builds from water flowing and being blocked by the freeze, certainly is.

To avoid frozen and burst pipes, be sure your home is properly insulated. This will help keep the interior of your walls and home warm. Be sure your house stays above 55 degrees throughout the winter months.

A bust pipe can cause a great deal of water damage and even mold damage if not handled properly.

Gutter Blocks

The gutters on your home are there to direct water away from your home. So what happens when they get blocked with leaves or ice? The water sits, pools, and flows towards your home. All of these things you do not want to happen.

Pooling water, over time, is likely to cause damage to your roof and will eventually leak into your home. This could cause a great deal of water damage to your home and even be dangerous for those living inside.

Be sure to clear your gutters of leaves in the fall and periodically observe your roof line for any pooling or water spilling over throughout the winter months.

Outside Water Sources

It is important to winterize your outside water sources, hoses, sprinkler systems, and exterior water spigots.

It is recommended that you leave outdoor water valves open to allow water to drain out as well as detach, drain, and store any hoses or other attachments.

Having all your exterior water sources drained or blown out will help prevent freezing which will then help prevent damage and flooding as water freezes and thaws throughout the winter months.

Your Insurance Coverage

Your pipes and gutters are some of the most important features of your home, when maintained properly they do the work of keeping water away from your home. When not maintained properly they can present the most danger to your home and be the cause of excessive water damage.

What a lot of homeowners may not realize is that flood and water damage isn’t always included in a typical homeowners insurance policy in Springfield, Ohio. This is something that may need to be added to your policy in order for you to be covered. Our independent insurance agents can work with you to help you identify if this type of coverage is necessary for you.

If you do come home to a flooded basement or wake up to a burst pipe, we want to be sure you are covered for those damages. The right homeowners insurance policy will have you covered and give you the peace of mind you desire all winter long.