Avoid burst pipe misery during the cold snap

With freezing temperatures and snow expected for much of the country during this week, the ABI (Association of British Insurers) is advising homeowners on how to avoid frozen pipes, and how to minimise the damage if the worst happens.

If water in pipes freezes:

- Turn off the water at the main stopcock.

- Before thawing, do what you can to protect or remove anything that could be damaged by thawing water. Cover electrical junction boxes and wiring.

- Thaw out the pipe slowly using a hairdryer or hot water bottle. Do not use a blow lamp or heat gun.

If the pipe bursts:

- Turn off water at the stopcock.

- Switch off central heating and any other heating installations.

- Thaw pipe slowly from the tap side, working back towards the header tank.

- Open all taps to drain the system.

- Contact your household insurer. Most have 24-hour emergency helplines, which can put you in contact with a local plumber.

- ENDS –

Note for Editors

1. Enquiries to:

Malcolm Tarling  020 7216 7410 (Mobile: 07776 147667)
Lucy Butler            020 7216 7411 (Mobile: 07712 841184)
 Alan Leaman 020 7216 7440 (Mobile: 07957 482330)

2. The ABI is the trade association for Britain’s insurance industry. Its more than 400 member companies provide over 97% of the insurance business in the UK. We represent insurance companies to the Government, and to the regulatory and other agencies, and is an influential voice on public policy and financial services issues. ABI member companies account for more than a fifth of investments in the London Stock Exchange, on behalf of millions of pensioners and savers.
3. An ISDN line is available for interviews.                             
04/04

Copies of all ABI news releases, together with other information from the Association, can be seen on our website http://www.abi.org.uk

Notes