Protect your pipes as freeze continues into festive season
Homeowners are again being warned of the dangers of burst pipes caused by freezing water as December 2010 looks set to be one of the coldest on record.
Just one burst pipe in the loft can mean water gushing through your property ruining furnishings and belongings along the way and in some cases bringing ceilings down. For the homeowner this can mean months of disruption while their house is dried out and repaired.
Rob Townend, director of household claims at Aviva, advises homeowners to follow some simple tips as the cold weather continues to bite.
"While we are all aware of the dangers of icy weather outside the home many people forget freezing temperatures can cause problems inside properties too. And for some that could mean a relaxing Christmas break could be ruined when they return to a drenched home.
"Freezing and burst pipes can be a real problem - in some cases ruining entire floors of your home. The risk can be worse in traditional properties without modern heating systems or properly insulated pipes.
"And when homes are left empty, burst or leaking pipes often aren't discovered for many days and so damage can get progressively worse.
"So be particularly aware if you are planning to leave your home for Christmas or New Year - if you can, consider keeping the central heating on low so that warm air can circulate throughout the house.
"The problem starts when the thaw begins so make sure you have someone who can check on your home regularly and in particular when temperatures start to rise again, that way any leaks can be spotted early and stopped.
"And even if you are not going away it might be worth considering keeping your heating on low while the sub-zero temperatures continue. Pipes can still freeze even when homes are full of people!"
Your cover
Damage caused by freezing water and leaking or "escaping" water from tanks, pipes, or heating systems is covered as standard under most contents and buildings insurance policies. Damage to the pipe itself is also usually covered under buildings insurance.
Do you have frozen pipes?
If taps aren't working, showers aren't running and you have problems with your heating it could be you have frozen pipes and it's likely you will already know about it!
If you're not sure make sure you check all the taps in your home, especially those hidden away outdoors or in the garage, are they running freely? And what about water fountains and features in the garden? It could be they have frozen and you didn't even know!
Can i help prevent them bursting?
If you have a frozen pipe that is accessible try gently warming it up with a hairdryer. At the same time turn on the tap or water supply to that pipe EG the tap or shower and keep it running. Leave the tap on until the water starts running again.
If the worst happens:
If pipes have burst turn off the water at the main stop cock - by turning off the water you will reduce the amount of water which can escape and so minimise damage to your home. Switch off central heating and any other water heating installations at the same time to avoid further damage and open all taps to drain the system. Call your insurer as soon as possible.
Prevention
Lots of lagging
One of the main causes of freezing pipes is lack of lagging - so anyone attempting to do a bit of plumbing themselves, should bear in mind that pipes and tanks in the loft, or anywhere else liable to freeze, need to be properly lagged.
Insulate on top of pipes
Insulation should be laid on top of pipes rather than underneath them, as insulation laid below the pipes will prevent rising heat reaching them. Wrap up water tanks and cisterns in insulating jackets.
Home alone
If you are going away for a few days or weeks - consider leaving the heating on at a constant low level, this means that water in pipes will remain constant temperature and should not get cold enough to freeze. Also remember to remove the hatch to your loft so that warm air can circulate.
(This may appear environmentally unfriendly or a little extravagant during these economic conditions, but it might mean the difference between a ruined home or a dry one when you return from your break)
And get someone to check on your home while you are away, if a problem is spotted early the damage could be much less.
Find the stop cock
Before cold weather arrives, find your main stop cock and make sure you can turn it on or off. It's generally found underneath your kitchen sink. There should also be an access point for a stop cock outside your home (normally near your driveway) so if all else fails you can turn off the supply there.
Check the taps
Repair any dripping taps and don't forget to insulate outside taps in your garden or garage (or turn off the water supply to them altogether).
Tell your insurer
If you are planning a longer holiday over the winter period make sure you tell your insurer. Most standard policies don't cover you for standard perils like escape of water, burglary and theft if your home is unoccupied or unfurnished for a certain period of time. Aviva offers full cover for 60 days away, but you need to tell us if you are going away for longer!