Preventing burst pipes
The cost and inconvenience caused by a burst pipe can be considerable. Just a small fracture can release gallons of water, damaging masonry and plaster, carpets and other contents. To avoid burst pipes and home insurance claims here are several steps you can take;
How to prevent burst pipes
- Make sure the boiler and heating system is serviced regularly and check that the thermostat is working correctly
- Check the insulation on your water pipes and cold water tank - pipework in an attic or other vulnerable spaces should be lagged or similarly protected
- Make sure any external taps are turned off and disconnect any hoses
- Keep your heating on throughout the winter months, even if you're away from the property.
What to do if you discover a frozen pipe
Fixing frozen pipes in particular can be costly as a claim caused by pipes bursting due to freezing is on average much more expensive than other escape of water claims.
If you discover a frozen pipe, don’t wait for it to burst. Turn off your water supply and then slowly thaw the affected pipe by introducing gentle heat to the area, such as with a hairdryer, heater or hot water bottle.
Do not attempt to thaw the pipe with a blow torch or other open flame.
How to stop a burst pipe
If a pipe does burst, the first and most important thing to do is to turn off the water to prevent further damage.
Turn off the water supply at the stopcock, open taps in the property to safely release water from the system to drains, and try to catch any excess water dripping from ceilings in a bucket or other container. Do not use any electrics if you believe these may have been affected by the escaping water. You will need to get the electrics checked by a qualified and competent electrician for safety reasons.
Devices are available which can detect excessive water flow and either send a warning or automatically turn off the water. Leak detection systems are also available, which send a warning to a designated person enabling them to take appropriate action and hopefully mitigate any damage.
Cold weather and burst pipes
Take a look at our infographic for some facts and top tips.
