Preventing burst pipes

• Make sure the boiler and heating system are serviced regularly, and check that the thermostat is working correctly
• Check the insulation on your water pipes and cold water tank - those 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.

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.

If a pipe does burst, the first and most important thing to do is to turn off your 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 in a bucket or other container. Do not use any electrical devices 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 that 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.