£9,000 cost of burst pipe repair

Damage caused by pipes bursting due to cold weather cost £9,300 on average to put right last year, according to analysis of home insurance claims.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI), which released the figure, suggested some steps that households can take to limit the risks.

Callum Tanner, the ABI’S general insurance manager, said: “Taking a few simple measures now can reduce the disruption, distress and expense caused by pipe problems this winter, while keeping your heating bills as manageable as possible.

“Of course, insurers are poised to help if the worst happens but prevention is always better than cure.”

The ABI recommends:

• Insulating water pipes and water tanks in the loft and using draught excluders around doors to keep the home warm and reduce energy bills.

• If you have a smart thermostat, it may have an anti-frost setting to keep your home heated at a minimal temperature. Many radiators will also have a setting with a snowflake symbol, allowing minimal water flow between pipes and radiators.

• Know where your stopcock, that turns off the incoming water supply, is and test that it works.

• If you are leaving your home unoccupied, consider turning off the water at the stopcock.

• Repairing any dripping taps will help prevent water from freezing.

• If your pipes freeze, turn the water mains off via the stopcock, wait for the pipes to warm up and move any possessions, such as furniture or clothing, which are near frozen pipes in case the pipe bursts.

• If your pipe bursts, contact your insurer straight away to seek advice. Many operate 24-hour helplines. They will help to arrange professional repairs.