Homeowners urged to check for leaks in thaw
Personal insurance
20th January 2010
Now that the weather has warmed up in the wake of the big freeze, UK households are being advised to look for damage to their properties caused by sub-zero conditions.
Pipes can burst or crack during freezing weather, creating potential problems with water damage in properties and the damage is often not realised until a thaw takes place.
Advice published by the Consumer Council for Water suggests to homeowners that they check pipes carefully for any signs of leaks as temperatures rise and thaw out any that are frozen gently to prevent cracking.
Such problems can be identified by turning off appliances such as washing machines that use water if there is a meter in place, checking ceiling or carpets for wet spots and assessing whether water pressure has been lost.
Homeowners are generally responsible for the supply pipe to their property and all plumbing inside their home and should contact their utilities provider if they believe they have a leak to address the problem.
If one is found, then people may need to claim on their UK insurance policy to get a plumber in to repair the damage, which could be costly if no cover is in place.
For more information on how Giles can help you with your personal insurance needs, Click here.
