What To Do If Your Pipes Burst in Winter

As we approach the coldest months of the year, homes across Britain will inevitably suffer from frozen pipes that burst and flood properties.

Whether pipes are copper, plastic, steel or concrete, freezing water expends powerful pressure that can block and burst pipes. The most common claim for home insurance, the average cost of repairing flooded homes is estimated to be as high as £30,000.

Prepare the Pipes for Freezing Temperatures

Dripping taps are a major cause of problems during winter as they can freeze easily. This will also lead to blocked pipes, so ensure you get any dripping taps fixed and replace the washers.

What to do when pipes burst

If your pipes freeze or burst, turn off the supply of water to your home to minimise water damage. Many people do not know where the stoptap or stopcock is located in their homes, and it is vital to know where it is. It can often be found underneath the kitchen sink.

It is important to remove as much water as possible from the system to prevent any water spilling into your home and causing damage. Begin by flushing the toilets and turning on all the cold water taps throughout your home.

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Turn off your central heating system and shut down your boiler while also remembering to switch off any immersion heaters. For boiler installation Bristol, contact a company such as http://www.hprservicesltd.com Once you have completed this step, drain the water system further by turning all the hot taps on.

If the burst pipe is located near any fuse boxes or electrical switches, turn off the electricity at the mains. Collect as much water as you can using pans, buckets or large containers to minimise the water damage to your home. If a ceiling looks like it is beginning to bulge, use a broom to release the water, ensuring you stand well back.

Call your home insurance policy provider as they will have emergency helplines to aid you in these circumstances. It is vital to inform them as soon as possible so they can begin advising you on the claims process, repairs and how they will be paid. Record the damage with as much evidence as you can for use in your insurance claim. Photographs work best, and be sure to make notes as you go along.