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UK homes are dangerously unprepared for the cold:
75% of respondents aren’t sure if their pipes are insulated.
53% don’t know what to do when pipes burst.
14% don’t know how to turn off their stop tap.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) reports show the average weather-related home insurance claim for burst pipes is a costly £9,300*.
Jonathan Samuel, Director at WaterSafe, said: “We know burst pipes are a major risk in winter - 15 per cent of residents have experienced one in the past 12 months. But worryingly, our research finds more than one in 10 UK households know how to quickly turn off their stop tap to stop the damage, which demonstrates a very real risk in wintry weather.”
Check your stop tap (ideally every six months). Knowing where your stop tap is and how to use it is crucial to reducing leaks and burst pipes.
Isolate and Drain. If certain parts of your plumbing system won’t be used during the winter, make sure to isolate and drain them. Shutting off pipes and fittings - such as outside hose taps - helps prevent leaks and reduces the risk of pipes bursting.
Insulate exposed pipes. Use foam insulation to protect pipes in unheated areas (like lofts and garages), and don’t forget your outside tap.
Fix leaks. If your pipes do freeze, don’t heat rapidly to thaw them as this can lead to pipes bursting.
Service your boiler. Use an engineer registered with Gas Safe to prevent breakdowns and frozen condensate pipes
Always use an approved plumber. Write the details of a local WaterSafe-approved plumber on a gift tag and attach it to your stop tap for quick access in an emergency
“Don’t wait for frost to freeze your pipes,” warns Jonathan. “Pipes freezing and bursting can cause extensive damage to homes but taking simple steps like knowing your stop tap location and insulating pipes can limit the damage significantly,” says Jonathan. “A small investment in winter prep now can save thousands later.”
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