Average low winter temperatures in South Carolina can reach 26° F in the mountains and 40° F in lower areas. Even though freezes don't occur as often or for as long in other areas of the country, pipes in South Carolina aren't as well insulated and can still freeze and burst. That's why you need to know how to handle the mess if it happens, and what the right protection is to get you back on track.

A South Carolina independent insurance agent can help you get equipped with all the homeowners insurance you need to prepare for this type of incident and many others. They'll get you covered long before a freeze ever happens. But first, here's a deep dive into frozen pipes and the coverage the right type of insurance can provide.

How Do Pipes Freeze and Burst in South Carolina?

When temperatures are low enough, the water inside your pipes can freeze. Frozen water takes up more space than liquid water does, which causes expansion and pressure inside your pipes, leading to possible cracks and bursts. But it's actually the stuck, frozen water causing a blockage that leads to a bust.

When water is frozen in place, it doesn't allow non-frozen water to pass through as it would otherwise. The pressure shoots up a great deal, sometimes enough to cause a bust. Also, in the southern states, since extreme low temperatures aren't as common, thinner, less insulated pipes are often found in homes and other buildings. 

What Insurance Protects Me after a Pipe Bursts in My House?

A homeowners insurance policy can protect against frozen, busted pipes and the damage the leaks cause. Homeowners insurance also provides protection for unprecedented weather events, such as extreme winters in typically warm states like Texas. However, your homeowners insurance won't cover you if you neglected your home by not leaving the heat on during a trip, which led to your pipes freezing and bursting.

In the case of a water line break, your home insurance typically won't cover the incident. The city would most likely be responsible for the majority of the repair and you would handle repairs to the main supply line to your house. Make sure to double-check your home insurance policy with your South Carolina independent insurance agent to be positive about when it covers you and when it doesn't. 

How Exactly Does Home Insurance Cover Burst Pipes?

Homeowners insurance in South Carolina protects you and your home from burst pipes in several ways, including through:

• Dwelling coverage: Your home's structure or dwelling would be covered for damage and necessary repairs if your pipes busted due to a listed cause.
• Personal property coverage: Your personal property like furniture, electronics, etc. would be covered for damage and repairs or replacement due to damage by a burst pipe.
• Loss of use coverage: You and your family would be covered for temporary stays at a hotel and related costs if your home was temporarily uninhabitable after a listed cause led to busted pipes.

Your home insurance may not only reimburse you for the damage and repairs to your property from the busted pipes, but also provide reimbursement for the mess they leave behind. But you'll need to review your specific policy with your South Carolina independent insurance agent to be sure.

When Is Water Damage Not Covered by Home Insurance?

Homeowners insurance doesn't cover all types of water damage. Here are a few common exclusions in South Carolina:

• Sewage backup: Homeowners insurance doesn't cover sewage backups and the mess they cause unless you add a sewer backup endorsement to your policy.
• Sump pump failure: Homeowners insurance also doesn't cover water damage caused by sump pump failure unless you add this endorsement. However, a sump pump failure endorsement only covers resulting property damage. To get reimbursement for the sump pump itself, you'd also need an equipment breakdown endorsement.
• Flooding: Natural causes of flooding like hurricanes and tsunamis are also not covered by home insurance, and instead need a special flood insurance policy to be covered.

To bridge the gaps in water damage coverage left by your home insurance, work with your South Carolina independent insurance agent to add any endorsements or extra policies you may want to feel better protected.

What to Do If a Water Pipe Bursts in Your Home

If your home suffers from a busted pipe, the first step is not to panic. Follow the simple steps below to return to normalcy ASAP. 

Do the following after a pipe bursts in your home:

1. Shut off the water quickly: Find your home’s main water shutoff and close it as fast as possible. Taking this important step allows you to stop more water from damaging your home.
2. Watch out for wires: Be on the lookout for any electronics or electrical wiring that may have gotten wet and steer clear of these potential dangers until a professional inspects them.
3. Call a plumber: Call your plumber to schedule repairs to your home ASAP so you can return to normal life.
4. Call your insurer: Next, put in a call to your insurance company or your South Carolina independent insurance agent to help you keep on top of the process and get the answers you need in a timely fashion.

Taking these steps as fast as you can after a pipe bust disaster in your home can help you minimize any further damage and protect your family members from unnecessary injury.

How to Help Prevent Water Pipes from Freezing in Your Home

You may not ever be able to anticipate an exceptionally harsh winter that could cause your pipes to freeze. But you can instead take the following steps to better prepare your home to avoid busted pipe disasters:

1. Insulate your pipes: Insulation helps protect pipes from damage like cracks and busts even in extreme temperatures. 
2. Open cabinet doors on cold days: This allows warmer air from the house to circulate and keep the pipes warm.
3. Open the faucet furthest from the water main: Allowing even just a few dribbles out will relieve any pressure that could build up if the pipes freeze.

Following simple steps can help prevent busted pipes before they happen. That way, you can avoid, not only  a mess and damage to your home, but also the hassle of filing an insurance claim and waiting for reimbursement.

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 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.