Homeowners warned to prepare pipes for the big freeze

Following recent press reports regarding the increasing risk of very cold and wintry conditions, Halifax Home Insurance warns homeowners that the pipes in their loft will be the first to freeze unless they take the necessary precautions.

Now is the best time to get your home in shape for the big chill, with temperatures potentially dropping below -100C. Winter weather can play havoc with your home as freezing temperatures can result in burst pipes, with the loft being the most common place for a pipe to freeze.

When temperatures drop to below freezing, frozen water within pipes will expand, causing the pipe to swell and crack. Once this thaws, water can leak from the cracks in the pipe resulting in escape of water, which can cause considerable damage.

Particularly at risk are older properties, generally pre-1960s, where the original roof remains, as they do not benefit from roofing felt beneath the tiles, which, in newer properties, provide a degree of protection against the elements.

Where properties have water-pipes which run on top of the loft floor joists, and above the level of any insulating layer, these pipes gain no benefit from the rising heat within the living space below and again, the risk of freezing is increased.

Vicky Emmott from Halifax Home Insurance says: “Water from a burst pipe within a loft space can very quickly cause damage to plaster ceilings, wall plaster, kitchen units, electrical wiring and decoration, as well as carpets, beds, electrical items and other contents within a property. So by simply insulating your pipes you can help to protect yourself from unwanted disasters this winter. It is also worth considering how prepared you would be if the worst was to happen. Halifax Home Insurance provides its customers with a 24 hour home emergency helpline manned by fully trained colleagues who can offer useful information and advice on how to manage a home emergency.”

People can guard their pipes against the freezing temperatures by lagging any exposed water pipes.

Ensure loft insulation is NOT placed beneath water tanks in the loft.

Ensure that the tops and sides of water tanks are insulated.

Anyone going away for an extended period is advised to turn off their water supply and drain the system OR leave the heating on, set to a least 10 degrees Celsius/50 degrees Fahrenheit.

If safe to do so, leave the loft hatch open to allow some warm air to rise into the loft space.

If your pipes do become frozen the water supply should be turned off at the stopcock, and all taps opened, to drain the system.

Never thaw the system out without taking advice from a qualified professional.

Externally, remove hose-pipes from outside taps. If the tap has an internal stop tap, shut it off and drain the tap and insulate and cover the outside tap.