Prevention is better than cure for burst pipes
NFU Mutual and loss adjusters at Cunningham Lindsey have drawn up a five-point winter action plan to prevent homes being hit with thousands of pounds worth of water damage after any big freezes.
Statistics from NFU Mutual suggest last winter took its toll on rural homeowners with an average £4,000 claim for repairing damage from burst pipes and the resulting escape of water.
As the UK faces yet more cold spells, the rural insurer is urging homeowners to prepare their homes and warns that some of the plumbing in many properties may have been critically weakened by last winter's freeze.
Matthew Scott, chief claims manager at NFU Mutual, said: "Escape of water causes a huge amount of damage to properties throughout the year but homeowners should be particularly aware of the damage a cold snap could do to their home.
"Prevention is always better than the cure and protecting your plumbing before a damaging drop in temperature could save you a great amount of distress, inconvenience and cost."
Specialists at NFU Mutual and Cunningham Lindsey created the winter action plan based on the most effective methods of avoiding a burst pipe disaster during cold weather.
1. Locate your stop cock
This will normally be located below your kitchen sink, or wherever the water supply enters your home.Make sure you can access it and close it easily.
2. Drain your system
If you're planning on leaving your property unoccupied during winter, take a few moments to turn off the stop cock and drain the plumbing of both hot and cold water.
3. Lag above pipes in your loft.
Well insulated loft spaces will get very cold in winter and so it's important you give your water pipes extra lagging to help prevent them freezing and bursting.
4. Maintain central heating
Keeping the thermostat at a normal setting overnight or while the property is unoccupied will help to keep the building temperature above freezing.
5. Check your plumbing
Checking your pipes for signs of freezing or bursts such as leaking or dripping joints, will help you to react to a possible problem or nip it in the bud. Asking tenants to do the same will help to protect rental properties too.
"The severity of much of the damage is reflected in the high cost of repair," Scott continued. "The good news is that preparing a building for winter freezes will dramatically reduce the chances of any damage being caused.
"If you discover an escape of water in your property, it's important you act quickly but calmly. Turn off your water at the stop cock and drain the system by opening all the taps. Call your insurer and they should be able to help you arrange a professional to help with the repairs."
For further information on home insurance and advice for protecting rural properties this winter visit nfumutual.co.uk.