The misery of frozen and burst pipes can be easily avoided with a few simple precautions, says the Association of British Insurers (ABI). With freezing temperatures forecast for some days to come, the ABI suggests you:

• Find your mains water stop valve and make sure you can turn it off and on.
• Repair any dripping taps.
• Check that pipes and tanks in the loft are properly insulated.
• Keep your central heating on if you are going to be away from home overnight or for some days.
• Turn off the water at the mains stop valve, and the header tank, if you think your pipes are frozen. This will cut down the amount of water which can escape if they burst.
• Thaw a frozen pipe gently, with a hot water bottle or a hair-dryer, not a blow-lamp or a heat-gun, and have something ready to catch the water if the pipe has burst.

Stephen Sklaroff, ABI’s Deputy Director General, said:

“Suffering a burst pipe and the escape of water which follows can be a miserable experience. Better to reduce the risk, or at least the after-effects, by following these simple steps.

“If things do go wrong, get out your home insurance policies and ring the insurance company’s helpline. They will tell you what you are covered for and how to make a claim.

“As many businesses close for several days at a time over the New Year period, they also need to make sure their premises are properly protected and checked during the break. This will help avoid any nasty surprises when they open up again for business.”

Notes

Enquiries to:
Vic Rance 020 7216 7440 (Home: 020 8647 5188)
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Copies of all ABI news releases, together with other information from the Association, can be seen on our website http://www.abi.org.uk