Date: December 2010

Avoiding Water Damage

The Issue

Between December and February incidents of burst pipes and water leaks increase by 20%. * Estimates from the Association of British Insurers estimate that this winter the cost of the damage will amount to around £7 million per day. Last winter, the coldest for 30 years, insurers paid out nearly £650 million for water damage claims.

Repair costs are one thing but it is the disruption and heartbreak that is so painful.

However, there are some very simply steps that can be taken at this time of year to help reduce the risk of getting water damage in the first place.

Our Advice

The following will help to reduce the risk of water damage.

General

• Ensure that loft water pipes and water tanks are insulated
• Know where the stopcock is that turns off the incoming water supply, and make sure that it works
• If the property is going to be left empty for a period, such as a holiday or for the Christmas break, ensure that it is kept as warm as possible (12C - 15C is recommended)
• If the property is going to be empty for an extended period consider draining the cold water system

If a pipe freezes

• Thaw out the pipe using gentle heat such as towels soaked in warm water or a hairdryer. Don’t use a heat gun or blowtorch
• Remove furniture and carpet (where practical) near to the frozen pipe
• This will reduce damage if the pipe bursts

If a pipe bursts

• Turn off the water at the stopcock
• Switch off central heating to avoid further damage
• Open all taps to drain the system
• Contact your insurer for advice. Most provide 24 hour emergency helplines