I think we all feel that winters are getting a little harsher in the UK. Last year, the UK recorded its lowest temperature in two decades which was -21°C which saw snowfall lasting weeks – months in some areas, and it’s fair to say that us Brits are not the most experienced with living during long-lasting sub-zero temperatures, but we are getting better.
Escape of water damage is often the result of frozen water inside pipes. Water expands when it freezes which bursts open the pipe, when it thaws the water rapidly flows until it is stopped, often it’s not noticed for hours or in unoccupied properties it can be days. When water is flowing every minute is crucial – water quickly finds its own gravity, effortlessly flowing in wall cavities, along floorboards and it doesn’t stop, costing you thousands of pounds in damages and not to mention making you homeless while repairs are made. It is often the case that by the time you can see the water – the damage is done.
Water damage remains one of the most expensive losses that can happen to a property, 2020 saw insurers pay out on average £1.8 million pounds per day – that’s a big problem Insurers face so needless to say Insurers are getting more strict with additional policy endorsements becoming necessary, especially on properties in need of updating and properties that sit empty more than 30 consecutive days.
Whether you’re planning to be away for a short winter holiday or lucky enough to jet off for warmer climates for the winter season, please look at our expert advice in reducing this kind of damage.
Our Concierge members automatically have access to professionals who can caretake properties, offering preventative advice and if it’s too late and you’ve had water damage well there are professionals that can restore everything from Art to fine cornices to Hermes handbags. If you want to become a C&C Private Client, then you can contact us by clicking here. – link to contact page
7 Simple tips to help avoid escape of water damage.
1. The stopcock.
The first and most important one of all is to make sure you and the members of your household know where the Stop Cock is found. – Seriously, the amount of people that have no idea where to find this never stops to amaze me. Time is ticking and water is gushing while you try and find it. In an escape of water situation, switching off the stop cock is the first thing to do, and it will make sure the water stops pumping into your house. Make sure you can access it easily too. – you never know if you’ll need to access it fast.
2. Use your thermostat.
Leaving your loft hatch open and cupboard doors that house any plumbing is another very simple way of allowing heat to move around your home. Simply leaving your loft access hatch open allows the warm are to rise into the loft space and keep that space at a temperature that’s not likely to cause freezing, same rule applies to cupboards under sinks. If you have it, your smart-home technology can help you monitor and control the temperature and humidity of your home while you are away – keep reading, they’re up next!
3. Install a Leak Detection Bot or Water shut-off system – not as expensive as they sound and solving big problems.
Shut off Bot – If a leak is detected, a water shut-off system can automatically turn off your water supply and notify you before serious damage occurs, centrally monitored temperature sensors placed within your home which can alert you to extreme temperature changes, helping to reduce the risk of frozen pipes and damage to climate-sensitive wines, collectibles or other valuables.
4. Lag internal and external pipes.
The cheapest and easiest way to help prevent your pipes from freezing up and bursting is to use lagging. Don’t forget any outside pipes when you take a check of your house. The danger temperature can be -0°C so you want to make sure all exposed pipes are covered as well. This is crucial on properties that don’t have a thermostat and those that are sat empty over winter.
5. Rope in a trusted person to house check your property.
Most of us already do this when we go away for an extended period, roping in friends & family to go water the plants, check on the security, pick up the post (feed the cat?) But do we consider checking thermostats or run warm water throughout the pipes? This is another quick solution and as long as your person is known to you and trusted, then insurers are usually happy and won’t restrict your insurance policy for escape of water claims.
6. Maintain any pipes that look old.
Not everyone realises this, but damage to your building & contents, fine art and wine collections which is caused by lack of maintenance is generally excluded under a household policy – excluded from any kind of insurance product in fact, so it is VITAL that you take a closer look at your home a few times a year including pipes that you can see or have easy access to (we’re not expecting you to lift carpets & floorboards!) – Check for signs of mold or blistering paintwork and wall ceiling stains and get it looked at by a plumber, chances are you can catch something before it becomes a bigger problem, worst thing you can do is ignore them and as they’re unlikely to go away. The most painful claims are the ones insures say no to. As long as you’re maintaining your property, you’re maintaining your side of the insurance deal.
7. Drain your Water system – no water, no water damage!
For those properties that are sitting unoccupied most of the time and there is no thermostat to moderate the heating, then insurers will want you to drain your household water system completely during winter months. It’s not that difficult and in the long run will almost certainly remove any risk of water devastation.
We are here to help!
If a pipe bursts, once you’ve shut off the water, you should immediately contact us at C&C Private Clients. We’ll work with your insurer quickly and manage the claim and repairs for you, making sure that if you need an alternative temporary home you’ll have one fast.
If you need any further advice or want to become a C&C Private Client, then click this link or contact us on the number below.
