News & Advice

There was a 44% rise in the cost of water damage insurance claims last year. Research by Allianz Insurance also shows that 40% of all claims were related to burst pipes, with kitchens bearing the brunt of the damage. 

With the temperamental UK weather, those of us who are away from home for a length of time are being urged to take some basic precautions to guard against burst pipes.

Last year the cost of water damage claims helped pushed average premiums up by 5% according to the AA, and some householders may not fully appreciate the risk. This is despite burst pipes being one of the most common and damaging of insurable incidents. Currently, burglary is cited as the most compelling reason to take out household insurance. But the cost to the insurance industry for water damage claims was nearly twice that for theft or burglary last year, according to Legal & General, suggesting many of us could do more to protect our homes from expensive and time consuming repairs.

Water damage can wreak havoc in your home. Just imagine if your water tank is in the loft. Burst pipes could cause water to cascade through your house with widespread damage to your property and personal belongings.

The pattern is familiar, families go away for a break, freezing weather causes burst pipes and they return to very serious damage and huge disruption. This is hardly surprising, as research has found that one in seven homeowners don't know where their stopcock is located.

Typically, the biggest portion of a claim is to repair damaged ceilings and redecorate rooms, costing on average just under £11,000. Ruined furniture and possessions cost on average about £4,000.

How to avoid burst pipes

Taking a few basic precautions can make all the difference. These are our top 5 tips to avoid burst pipes this winter:

1. Leave your heating on a timer

This might seem counter-intuitive to homeowners looking to save on fuel costs over the winter. But leaving your heating on helps protect your pipes from freezing. A low setting of between 12-15 degrees on your normal timer should be enough to protect your home.

2. Turn off the water supply at the stopcock

Stopcocks are usually located close to where the main water supply enters a home – quite often under the kitchen sink. It can be a good idea to turn off your water supply while you are away from home.

3. Consider draining your water system
 

If you’re likely to be away for months rather than weeks it might be worth draining your water system entirely. This will ensure there is no risk of water damage whilst you are away.

4. Check lagging and insulation on exposed water pipes and on your cold water tank

This is one of the most straightforward routine maintenance tasks you can perform to protect your home. Check lagging is sound, and if your pipes are exposed, insulate them. But do not insulate underneath your water tank - rising heat will help to prevent freezing and burst pipes.

5. Leave your kitchen cupboards and bathroom cabinet doors open

This will allow warmer air to circulate around any pipes within these cupboards. Similarly, if you have a cold water tank in your loft, consider leaving the loft hatch open to let warmer air in.

If you do have a burst pipe and water damage to your property, remember we are here to help so call us straightaway. As insurance loss assessors we'll act on your behalf throughout your insurance claim, making sure you receive a full and fair settlement from your insurers.  

About AKA Claims

AKA Claims are a firm of independent Loss Assessors, who work on a no win-no fee basis.  

If you would like help with a burst pipe or water damage insurance claim, just call us now on 0800 285 1610 to arrange a no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced Loss Assessors. Alternatively, please just complete our Contact Us form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.