Winter moves quietly through every corner of the home–behind walls, beneath flooring, and through spaces we rarely think about. From the kitchen to the laundry room, bathroom to basement, there are countless points where a water-related issue can occur. In winter, that risk increases dramatically. Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to expand and rupture, releasing hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water into your home quickly. A burst pipe is not just a plumbing inconvenience, but a serious threat to craftsmanship, finishes, and irreplaceable investments that define your home.

If you have a spa-bathroom, complex plumbing networks, or a home with many bathrooms and water features, you are at even greater risk of catastrophic damage from a burst pipe. Hardwood floors, artisan tiling, and custom cabinetry are particularly vulnerable to water damage. The more water that flows through your home, the more danger.

Remember that even the smallest leak can lead to significant damage when it goes undetected for a long period of time. When a pipe bursts, this is a leak at absolute full force. Water can only move downward due to gravity, and it somehow always manages to find your most important technology and smart home system. Replacing receivers, sound systems, streamers, and hubs related to the whole AV system can be costly to replace, but quality insurance coverage can make a disaster easier to navigate.

Luckily, we live in an era when smart devices can help you shut off the water flow. This smart technology can sense and shut off water before it destroys what you love. It is critical that you choose the right technology for you.
These smart devices study your normal water usage and alert you when there are any abnormalities.
This smart technology monitors water usage throughout your entire home and automatically shuts off the water if usage exceeds a set amount, helping detect leaks anywhere in your plumbing system.
This smart system detects leaks at specific points, like under sinks and near appliances.
Vacation homes are at greater risk when left unoccupied in the wintertime. With no one there to monitor the home, leaks are likely to go unnoticed for a long period of time. Smart technology helps you monitor any water issues from anywhere, so all your homes are protected even if no one is there.

The Cross Private Client team would be pleased to answer your questions and help you explore your options when it comes to home insurance.
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This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon or used for any particular purpose. Cross Insurance shall not be held responsible in any way for, and specifically disclaims any liability arising out of or in any way connected to, reliance on or use of any of the information contained in this article. The information contained or referenced in this article is not intended to constitute and should not be considered legal, insurance, accounting or other professional advice, nor shall it serve as a substitute for the recipient obtaining such advice. The views expressed in this article are that of its author and do not necessarily represent the views of Cross Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Cross Insurance”) or Cross Insurance’s management or shareholders.