The last couple of weeks have seen plunging temperatures and even snowfall in some parts of the UK. This last week alone has seen a cold snap that has brought sub-zero temperatures.

With the colder weather also brings the threat of frozen pipes. In 2014 the Association of British Insurers (ABI) reported the average claim for a burst water pipe is between £6500 and £7500.

Now is a good time to make sure that your have taken steps to ensure that your home is as protected as possible against any damage that could be caused by the cold weather so that you don’t have to make a claim. The ABI said “Every winter, freezing temperatures catch people out. Prevention is better than cure and now is the time to take a few simple steps to reduce the risk of facing the trauma of frozen or burst pipes this winter.”

Here are some useful hints to help protect your home:

COLD WEATHER CODE
◾Check that the heating in your property is in good working order, and if you have an open fire, whether the chimney should be swept.
◾Check your loft insulation is the recommended dimensions and still in good condition.
◾Repair any dripping taps and leaking radiator valves.
◾Repair loose roof tiles and slates to reduce the risk of them falling off and check and clear your gutters.
◾Check windows and window frames are firmly fixed and with no possible gaps for rain to penetrate.

HOW TO PREVENT DAMAGE FROM BURST PIPES.
◾Insulate water tank and pipes wherever possible. Look at lagging pipes to conserve heat too and take care if they’re outside or in the loft.
◾Make sure you know where your stop tap is so that you can quickly switch the water off if a pipe bursts.

HOLIDAYS AND WEEKEND BREAKS.
◾If you’re away visiting family or friends or off on holiday, we recommend keeping your heating on low, just in case the temperature should drop
◾If you do leave your heating on, open your loft hatch so that warm air can get to your pipes.
◾If you don’t want to leave your heating on, drain the whole system and turn water off at the mains.
◾Get a friend, relative or neighbour to keep an eye on your property every day.

Always be cautious when undertaking any DIY task that you aren’t familiar with as you could injure yourself or those around you. Seek professional help where required.

If you have a mortgage or rent a property you are obliged to prevent loss or damage and to keep the property in sound condition and good repair.

If your home insurance is due soon please give us a call and we can see if we can beat your renewal quote. Contact Phil Anderson Financial Services on 01224 900879.