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Be prepared! Ten Steps to Protect your Home from Frozen and Burst Pipes
Give your home an M.O.T. before winter sets in!
A familiar pattern to incidents and claims made are Policyholders who are away for a few days when a cold spell sets in and come home to burst pipes and flooded properties. But BEWARE frost damage is not generally an ‘insurable event’, though resultant damage does tend to be covered by insurance policies.
However, nothing can compensate for the stress and inconvenience of having to deal with water damage to your home. Take steps now to minimize the chances of potential frozen pipes or an escape of water.
- Make sure that water pipes and water tanks are insulated.
- Have your boiler serviced by a professional.
- Locate your ‘stopcock’ so that in an emergency you are able to turn off.
- Leave the heating on a low setting to avoid frozen pipes; this can be especially important if you are way on holiday.
- If you have unoccupied ‘to let’ properties ensure that systems are drained OR heating left on low. Important note: Check the terms of you Policy and ensure you follow the Conditions as detailed.
- Consider having Trace heating installed in your home or business to protect from freezing temperatures, it can prove a cost efficient solution. (www.traceheatinguk.co.uk)
- Invest time now if you are a Landlord, consider checking the boiler is working and pipes are lagged. Give advice to tenants as to what to do in an emergency.
- If you are away and have a cold water tank in the loft, leave the loft hatch open to allow warm air in.
- Frost can cause damage to mortar and brickwork on your home, garden walls and chimney breast. These areas are exposed to the elements and water can get into porous bricks, may freeze and then damage the face of the brick. Check brickwork, mortar and pointing before winter and get a professional in if necessary to deal with any issues.
- Should you suffer an escape of water or burst pipes call AJC Consultants on 0121 632 2970 for claim assistance.
