Clear steps for property owners, landlords and managers.
Before Cold Weather
- Locate and label the main water shutoff
- Insulate vulnerable piping in crawl spaces, garages and exterior walls
- Seal cold-air leaks around penetrations
- Service heating systems and maintain fuel or power
- Disconnect exterior hoses and protect outdoor faucets
During a Cold Snap
Maintain safe indoor heat, open cabinet doors where plumbing is against exterior walls, and follow local or utility guidance about allowing a small flow when appropriate. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes.
If a Pipe Freezes
Know where the shutoff is before thawing. A frozen pipe may already be split and can release water when it thaws. Use safe warming methods or contact a qualified plumber.
For Vacant or Seasonal Properties
Arrange heat monitoring, regular checks, low-temperature alerts and appropriate winterization. Insurance policies may have vacancy or heat-maintenance requirements.
Helpful guidance: For safety and cleanup guidance, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For coverage questions, contact your insurer or the Connecticut Insurance Department. Coverage depends on the policy and cause of loss.