Protect your property from burst pipes this winter

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Category: Secured Loans

According to Aviva, burst pipes were the cause of hundreds of drenched homes last winter.  Therefore, homeowners are being advised to do a ‘quick health check’ on their properties.

Compared to the average number of freezing weather-related claims received by Aviva, last year the company reportedly saw six times as many.  What’s more, it has been revealed that during the particularly cold period at the end of last year, 60 percent of freeze claims were due to burst pipes.  Burst pipes reportedly cause approximately £8,000 worth of damage on average.

Before the cold weather sets in, Aviva is recommending that homeowners follow some ‘simple tips’:

1. A lack of lagging is one of the primary reasons behind freezing pipes.  Therefore, anybody embarking upon a little plumbing should properly lag any pipes or tanks that are liable to freeze – such as those in the attic.
2. When it comes to insulation, this should be laid on top of pipes as opposed to underneath them.  The reason for this is that when insulation is laid underneath pipes, it prevents any rising heat from reaching them.  Insulating jackets should be wrapped around water tanks and cisterns.
3. When leaving a property unoccupied for a few days or weeks, homeowners should consider leaving their heating on at a constant low level, 24 hours a day, to minimise the likelihood of water freezing and pipes bursting.  The loft hatch should also be opened to allow warm air to circulate, and someone should visit the property to check on it while it is unoccupied.
4. Homeowners should ensure that they know where the main stop cock is and that it can be turned on or off.  It can usually be found under the kitchen sink.  However, if it cannot be found then there should also be an access point for a stop cock outside the property, which can be used to turn off the supply.
5. Any dripping taps should be repaired, and any taps in the garden or garage should be insulated – or their water supply should be turned off altogether.

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Homeowners who would like to make improvements to their property to ensure that it is able to withstand the elements could consider taking out a secured homeowner loan to fund any work required.  One of many finance options available, a secured homeowner loan for home improvements could allow borrowers to repair a damaged roof for example.  The funds could also be used to fully insulate a property – including pipes, tanks and cisterns.  Any draughty doors or windows could also be replaced to enhance heat retention.  Following such work, homeowners may wish to re-decorate and re-furbish their property to make it all the more cosy in time for Christmas.