Insurer warns of cold weather risk of frozen pipes

Thousands of homes and businesses are at risk of significant damage from burst water pipes and tanks warns global insurer RSA and its direct arm MORE TH>N.

As Britain experiences further onslaughts of snow and freezing temperatures, properties left empty over the festive period are especially prone to burst pipes, as the freezing weather thaws.

David Pitt, Operations Director at RSA and MORE TH>N, commented: "With arctic temperatures continuing to hit Britain over the festive period, we are urging home and business owners to take the necessary steps to protect their property, especially if it is going to be left empty during this time."

The insurer is issuing the following advice to help prevent frozen pipes, and also the steps to take if the worst happens.

You can help prevent freezing pipes by:

Keeping the central heating set to a minimum of 10-12 degrees;

Removing a square of loft insulation in the area underneath the cold water tank so that heat can penetrate the ceiling and prevent it from freezing. In addition if you are going away for the weekend, open the loft door to allow circulation of heat to prevent freezing;

Insulating your pipes;

Programming the heating to come on for a short time each day so that the water is kept circulating if you are away for a short time;

Consider turning off the water at the stopcock and draining down the system if you are away for a longer period; and

Making sure you know that your insurance documents are kept a safe place, that you can find easily in an emergency. 

If you find your pipes have burst:

Turn off water at the stopcock;

Do not use toilet/shower/basin/bath if there is a possibility one of them is the source of the leak;

If you are sure it is not the source, fill the bath for a supply of water - you might need it;

Turn off the heating;

Remove pictures from any affected rooms as the moisture may wrinkle them;

Try to lift furniture or it may soak moisture up the legs/feet;

Do not leave internal doors shut if they are affected by water as the may swell and may not open properly;

If electricity is affected turn off power at the consumer unit. If there is any doubt call a qualified electrician; and

Where there are bowing ceilings, move any valuables, pierce the ceiling with a screwdriver and catch the water in a container.