Whether you’re working from home or in your business premises winter’s freezing temperatures can lead to water leaks or frozen pipes and damage to the property. At Insurance Services Surrey, escape of water incidents are the most common type of home and property claims we see. As winter approaches, here are some useful tips from Allianz Insurance on how to prevent leaks and what to do if pipes freeze.
Planning ahead
- Ask a professional plumber to check your plumbing joints for leaks, including those which are hidden, such as on dishwashers and washing machines. Keep an eye out for green discolouration on copper pipes, which could be a sign of a leak. Pay close attention to plastic plumbing joints as they deteriorate more quickly than metal ones.
- Check your pipe insulation to ensure that this is adequate.
- Prevent your water supply stopcock from stiffening by testing it periodically
- Regularly inspect the water tank ball valves for signs of damage.
Empty homes
If you are leaving your home empty for an extended period of time this winter:
- Don’t lower the heating too much. It may save on the heating bill but could lead to a frozen pipe. Leave your central heating on low (at around 15°c) to prevent water in the system from freezing
- Alternatively, particularly in the event of an extended absence from your home, it may be sensible to drain the plumbing system entirely. If you’re considering doing this, you should seek professional advice.
- Ensure that pipes in unheated areas (like lofts and, where accessible, under floor spaces) are insulated with high quality foam lagging.
- Make sure that someone keeps an eye on your home, who knows where the stopcock is, in case they find a leak.
Frozen Pipes
Signs of a frozen pipe include no water coming from the tap, frost or ice on the outside of the pipe and if the pipe is bulging. If you act fast, a frozen pipe doesn’t always mean a burst pipe:
- Turn off the stopcock.
- Remove any furniture or equipment from the area, which could get damaged by the water.
- Open the tap closest to the area and gently warm the tap with a hairdryer or hot water bottle, starting from the end closest to the tap and working away from it.
- Bursts only become apparent when the pipe begins to thaw.
If a pipe bursts
- Turn off the stopcock and drain the system by opening taps in baths and sinks.
- Seek professional advice
Insurance Services Surrey can arrange suitable insurance for businesses and business owners. https://www.insurancesurrey.co.uk
