Fact Sheet

How to prevent pipes from freezing: 

• Try to avoid exposing water pipes to sub-freezing temperatures by placing them only in heated spaces.

• Pipes can be fitted with an insulation jacket. The insulation prevents or delays heat transfer so that ice does not form inside the pipe. Most hardware stores carry this and the best kind contains foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves.

• Pipes and walls should be inspected to ensure there are no holes and cracks and if there are, they should be sealed or caulked immediately.

• It may help to leave kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open. This will allow the warm air to circulate and keep those designated pipes toasty warm.

• In areas where pipes are more exposed to cold weather, such as in basements where the temperatures are inevitably cooler, it may help to let the tap drip slightly. Although this is wasting water, it opens the faucet and allows water to escape before pressure has had a chance to build up. However, this should only be done when absolutely necessary.

• If you are going on holiday or plan to be away for an extended period of time, turning off the heat could expose your pipes to the cold temperatures and result in a burst. You should either have a friend come by and turn on the heat occasionally or drain the water system completely and shut off the main valve.

 
If your pipe does burst, you should call your insurance broker and a plumber immediately. Turn off the water at the main shut-off valve and leave the faucet open. Most insurance policies will cover pipe bursts due to freezing, but only if it is located with the heated area of your home and only if the necessary precautions were taken to avoid such a circumstance.
 
Melting snow and rain has to go somewhere. Steps to prevent flooding:  

• Be sure to shovel snow as far away from your home as possible, especially from any basement or ground-level windows.

• Make sure that any cracks or holes located on the exterior or interior of basements and ground levels are caulked and sealed.

• Investigate for anything that could prevent snow from draining away from the house and if there are obstructions, clear and make a path for the water.

• Have professionals remove any snow from the roof to avoid roof collapse.

• In the event of water damage, homeowners should notify their insurance broker. Brokers work in your best interests to start the claims process if appropriate, and ensure you are being treated fairly and efficiently by the insurance company. Your broker will also advise on the best way to get your property back to normal.

• Watch out for trees located within 10-15 feet of your property as the roots may disturb your home’s foundation, causing unnecessary cracks and water seepage.

• Older homes should have the perimeter drains cleaned and serviced by professionals. Hiring a professional would be cheaper than making a claim and could save you financial and emotional heartache in the future.

The government has also put in place up to $300,000 in a disaster financial relief for homeowners in the Fraser Valley and the west coast of Vancouver Island who suffered extensive damage due to flooding, but it does not cover items such as furniture or recreational properties and boats.
 
For more information, talk to your insurance broker or visit www.bestinsurance.ca for advice on how to protect your home. If you are a homeowner and have suffered severe flooding damage to your home, contact the Disaster Financial Assistance Program at 1-888-257-4777.

About IBABC

The Insurance Brokers Association of B.C. serves as the voice of the general insurance brokerage industry and promotes its members as the premier distributors of insurance products and services in British Columbia. IBABC is the primary provider of pre-licensing and continuing professional education for the general insurance brokers in B.C. IBABC represents the interests of the public and its member brokers to government and to industry stakeholders. 

IBABC represents in excess of 700 property and casualty insurance brokerages that in turn employ more than 8,000 people in approximately 140 B.C. communities. Member offices are the consumer's choice for the vast majority of all property and casualty insurance policies and premiums written in the province. Consumer satisfaction with their insurance brokers is high. In survey after survey, consumers report that they value their brokers' knowledge, professional advice, unbiased review of their needs and coverage options, and service and advocacy in the event of a claim. IBABC member brokerages have an average of 13 staff members and therefore fit within the small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) category. 

Enquiries should be directed to switchboard at 604.606.8000.

Visit our website at www.ibabc.org
and
www.bestinsurance.ca