A home that’s not occupied is more susceptible than one that is occupied, especially in winter months when the freezing temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst.
Last year was one of the worst on record for insurance claims caused by “freezing events” in unoccupied homes, according to Chelsea Skakespeare from insurance experts Adrian Flux. Here are the results. Home insurance Team provides advice on how to prevent frozen pipes, and what to do if it happens.
Avoid freezing pipes when your home is unoccupied with these five tips
It is important to take simple precautions if cold weather is predicted to avoid your pipes freezing.
1. Insulate water tanks, pipes and other containers
Wrap the pipes outside and in the colder parts of your home with insulation. Insulate water tanks in the loft and other cold places.
2. Keep the heat on
If it’s feasible, set your thermostat to 15C. This will keep the air in your home warm and prevent internal pipes from freezing. Open cupboard doors and loft hatches so warm air can circulate around pipes in the loft or under sinks.
3. Turn on taps regularly
If you are going to be away from home during a cold snap, have someone visit your house regularly to turn on the water. It’s harder for…
