Protecting Your Property from Burst Pipes This Winter

When temperatures unexpectedly dip in Florida, most property owners aren’t thinking about frozen pipes. They’re thinking, “It won’t get that cold here.” Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long for freezing weather to cause serious water damage.

At Trust Public Adjusting Group, we see it every year. A brief overnight freeze can turn into a major insurance claim within hours.

Here’s why.

When water inside plumbing lines freezes, it expands. That expansion creates intense pressure inside the pipe. If the pressure becomes too great, the pipe cracks or bursts. The real damage often occurs when temperatures rise, the ice melts, and water begins flowing into walls, ceilings, cabinetry, and flooring. What started as a small freeze can quickly become extensive interior water damage — and even mold growth.

Some frozen pipe claims escalate into six-figure losses before the homeowner even realizes what happened.

How to Reduce the Risk

When freezing temperatures are forecasted, take proactive steps:

• Allow faucets or a bathtub to drip during freezing conditions. Moving water relieves pressure and helps prevent freezing.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warmer indoor air to circulate around pipes.
• Insulate exposed exterior plumbing and hose bibs.
• Continue dripping faucets until temperatures are safely above freezing.

Many people assume frozen pipes are only a northern problem. They are not. Florida homes are often built without the same level of pipe insulation found in colder climates, which can make them even more vulnerable during sudden freezes.

Don’t Wait If You Notice Damage

If you see water stains, bubbling paint, warped flooring, reduced water pressure, or active leaking, act immediately. Quick response is critical to limiting damage and protecting your insurance claim.

Trust Public Adjusting Group represents property owners — not insurance companies. We provide free property inspections and policy reviews, even before a loss occurs. Many policies contain exclusions or limitations related to long-term leaks, maintenance, or repeated seepage. Understanding your coverage in advance can prevent costly surprises later.

If you suspect a frozen pipe or discover water damage, involve us right away. Early documentation, proper mitigation guidance, and strategic claim presentation can significantly impact the outcome of your claim.

Freezing weather in Florida may be rare, but the damage it causes is not.

Be prepared. Drip your faucets. Protect your property. And if you have concerns before or after damage, contact Trust Public Adjusting Group for professional guidance.

We’re here to protect what you’ve worked hard to build.