Though you may not think of South Carolina as being a cold place, temperatures can drop below 40 degrees in winter. But because of its higher average temperatures, the state has many homes with pipes that aren't insulated as well as in other areas, so it's important to know which protection you'll need if your pipes do freeze.

Though a South Carolina independent insurance agent can help you get covered by the right homeowners insurance, we can start by taking a closer look at what to do in case your pipes freeze. Better yet, we'll also talk about how to prepare your pipes for winter to prevent freezing from ever happening in the first place. Let's get down to it.

Do I Really Need to Prep My Pipes for Winter in South Carolina?

You can't always be prepared for a harsh winter, especially when you live in a typically warm climate. Just take the extreme winter that hit Texas in early 2021, for example. And living in the South, your plumbing is likely to be thinner and less insulated than pipes up north.

Not only do frozen pipes cause the inconvenience of being unable to use your water, but they can also burst and leave a huge mess. You have to clean up the mess, repair or replace your plumbing, and perhaps a good portion of your house, as well. Make sure your home is equipped with the right homeowners insurance before winter ever rolls around, just in case.

How Do Pipes Freeze and Burst in South Carolina?

Pipes can certainly burst after a freeze, though they don't always. When temperatures drop low enough for water in the pipes to freeze, it causes ice to form. Because of this blockage, water that's not frozen isn't able to pass through as it normally would, and pressure builds up. 

The resulting increase in pressure is what causes the pipes to possibly burst. It doesn't help that plumbing in South Carolina is generally less insulated than it would be further north. But a freeze can also cause your water to back up enough to escape out of faucets, even if your pipes don't burst. 

How to Prep Pipes for Winter in South Carolina

Preventing freezes and burst pipes in the first place is much more effective than trying to deal with the mess after an incident. Take the following steps to prep your pipes for winter:

1. Turn off outdoor faucets: Drain any excess water out of the line before it ever gets the chance to freeze.
2. Disconnect hoses and cover hose bibs: This keeps the outdoor faucet warmer and prevents ice from backing up inside the home.
3. Get a Wi-Fi thermostat: These allow you to control your home temperature from anywhere, and can even be set to give you a warning if it drops too low while you're away.
4. Install a heat cable: These can sense a pipe's temperature and help keep them warmer.
5. Shut off the main water line: If you leave town for an extended period, taking this action can prevent a great deal of damage after a freeze.
6. Insulate pipes: Well-insulated pipes run much warmer and don’t freeze.
7. Insulate the garage door: The garage lets a lot of heat out and a lot of cold in, so insulating your garage door can help make a difference during a cold spell.
8. Leave faucets dripping: Leaving your faucet on just enough to keep the smallest amount of water moving can relieve a lot of pressure and prevent pipes from cracking or bursting.

Following these easy steps during winter can help you avoid a huge, costly mess in the case of extremely low temperatures.

How Does Home Insurance Cover Burst Pipes?

Your homeowners insurance can also offer important protection in case a burst pipe does occur, which can still happen even if you took the right precautions. 

Homeowners insurance covers burst pipes with these coverages:

• Loss of use: If your home's pipes burst and cause enough damage that you need to stay at a hotel while waiting for repairs, loss of use coverage will reimburse you for these extra expenses.
• Dwelling coverage: If your home's pipes burst, the dwelling coverage will reimburse for necessary repairs to the structure of the building. 
• Contents coverage: If your home's pipes burst and some of your personal property like furniture gets damaged, contents coverage will help reimburse for repairs or replacement of your stuff.

Work with a South Carolina independent insurance agent to get your home equipped with enough homeowners insurance to keep it safe during harsh winters and much more.

What to Do if a Water Pipe Bursts in Your Home

If a pipe does burst in your home, use this simple checklist afterward to get back on track quickly.

Steps to take after a pipe bursts in your home:

1. Turn the water off: Shut off the main water valve at your home ASAP. This prevents even more water from damaging your home.
2. Steer clear of wet electronics: Stay away from exposed wires or electronics or appliances that could shock you after becoming wet until they've been inspected by a professional.
3. Contact your plumber: Schedule repairs for your home's pipes.
4. Call your insurance agent: Your South Carolina independent insurance agent can call your insurer for you and file a claim.

Your South Carolina independent insurance agent will keep you updated through every step of the claims process. They'll let you know if your insurer requires an inspector to visit your property, and they'll help you schedule that appointment if necessary. 

Though you've hopefully taken the proper precautions and won't have to deal with burst pipes again, knowing that your South Carolina homeowners insurance can still protect you in case of a disaster can help put you at ease during the winter. 

Why Choose a South Carolina Independent Insurance Agent?

South Carolina independent insurance agents simplify the process by shopping and comparing insurance quotes for you. Not only that, but they’ll also cut through the jargon and clarify the fine print so you know exactly what you’re getting.

South Carolina independent insurance agents also have access to multiple insurance companies, ultimately finding you the best home insurance coverage, accessibility, and competitive pricing while working for you.