As the temperature drops across the Allegheny Mountains and the Potomac Highlands, the risk of frozen and bursting pipes skyrockets. For homeowners in Oakland and Cumberland Maryland and Romney, WV, winter isn’t just about snow—it’s about protecting your property from one of the most common and costly insurance claims of the season.
A burst pipe isn’t just an inconvenience; it can cause catastrophic water damage to your structure and your most prized possessions. At American Insurance Center, we want to help you stay ahead of the deep freeze.
Proactive Pipe Protection: Essential Local Strategies
Our region is known for sudden “polar vortex” snaps. The best defense is a strong offense. Focus on these preventative measures before the next sub-zero night hits:
1. Insulate, Insulate, Insulate
Target Vulnerable Areas: In our local farmhouse-style homes and older builds, pay special attention to pipes in unheated spaces like attics, stone basements, crawl spaces, and garages.
Use Proper Materials: Wrap exposed pipes with foam insulation or heat tape. In the high elevations of Garrett County, a small investment in insulation can save you thousands in restoration costs.
Seal Gaps: Use caulk or spray foam to seal cracks in exterior walls where cold Maryland and West Virginia winds can whistle through and hit your plumbing.
2. Maintain a Minimum Temperature
Keep the Heat On: Whether you’re heading to Deep Creek Lake for the weekend or staying in Romney, never set your thermostat below 55°F (13°C).
Open Cabinet Doors: During severe cold snaps, open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warm indoor air to reach the plumbing under your sinks.
3. Properly Drain Outdoor Plumbing
Disconnect Hoses: Remove all garden hoses before the first frost.
Shut Off Water Supply: Close the interior valve for outdoor spigots, then open the outside tap to drain any remaining water. Frozen water in a hose bib is a leading cause of “hidden” indoor floods.
4. When the Cold is Extreme: Keep Water Moving
Trickle the Faucets: When temperatures are predicted to fall well below freezing (a common occurrence in Oakland!), allow a faint, slow stream of water to run from faucets on an exterior wall. Moving water is much harder to freeze.
The Worst-Case Scenario: Your Homeowners Insurance
If preventative measures fail, your homeowners insurance policy through American Insurance Center is your critical line of defense.
What Your Policy Typically Covers
Most standard policies we provide (like the HO-3) cover the sudden and accidental discharge of water. This generally includes:
Dwelling Coverage: Repairing or replacing damaged walls, ceilings, and flooring.
Personal Property Coverage: Replacing soaked furniture, electronics, and clothing.
Additional Living Expenses (ALE): Covering costs like temporary housing or hotel stays if the damage makes your home uninhabitable during the drying-out process.
Crucial Local Exclusions to Know
Insurers may deny a claim if the damage wasn’t “accidental.” Watch out for:
Neglect: If you ignored a known leak or failed to maintain heat in the house.
The Vacant Home Rule: If you own a seasonal property or rental in Oakland, Cumberland or Romney that is vacant for an extended period (usually 30–60 days), coverage may be limited unless you took specific steps to maintain heat or drain the system.
Pro Tip: If you have a second home or a cabin in the mountains, contact us to review your “Water Damage and Exclusions” sections to ensure you are fully protected.
Immediate Action Plan: What to Do If a Pipe Bursts
Shut Off the Main Water: Know where your main shut-off valve is (usually near the water meter or where the line enters the basement).
Shut Off the Power: If water is near outlets, turn off the electricity at the breaker.
Call a Professional: Contact a local plumber immediately.
Contact American Insurance Center: Call our Oakland, Cumberland or Romney office or report the claim online immediately. We will help you document the damage and get an adjuster to your home as quickly as possible.
Secure Your Home, Protect Your Investment
Protecting your home from the financial fallout of a burst pipe starts with simple winterization. By investing a little time in insulation and heat maintenance, you drastically reduce your risk.
Questions about your coverage? Reach out to us at one of our locations.
Oakland, MD Office: (301) 334-1159
Romney, WV Office: (304) 822-8050
Cumberland, MD Office: (301) 729-1201
American Insurance Center: Your neighbors, protecting your home through every season.