SEVERE COLD WEATHER – BURST PIPES

Escapes of water are the single most common cause of property damage in the UK.  

Severe cold weather and specifically periods of prolonged freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst, resulting in sometimes massive damage to property.  Freezing causes water to expand, damaging pipes and fixings.  When temperatures return to normal and thawing occurs the expansion damage results in leaks, sometimes catastrophic leaks.

Unlike other weather related flooding, these type of burst pipe incidents are capable of causing  damage that can affect an entire property, top to bottom. 

PREVENTION

Unfortunately it’s often the unseen, underground and inaccessible pipes which are most vulnerable and susceptible, meaning it’s difficult to prevent from happening.  You can however reduce the risk in your property by doing the following:

• Regularly check pipes for damage
• Locate stop taps and shut off valves for emergencies
• Insulate exposed pipes and tanks
• Drain unused pipes (e.g. outside)
• Maintain your heating system (e.g. regular boiler service)
• Monitor heating system water pressure and water meters
• Keep heating systems on (e.g. minimum settings)
• Circulate warm air around the property (e.g. open loft spaces)

Pipe bursts often cause catastrophic water damage however sometimes it may be less obvious.  Some early warning signs to watch out for can be:

• Heating making unusual sounds or won’t work properly
• Water supply/pressure affected
• Sinks not draining properly
• Toilets filling slower than normal
• Water Patches on ceilings, walls and floors
• Bulging in ceilings and walls

If you have identified a damaged frozen pipe which hasn’t yet leaked turn off the water supply and isolate the supply to the pipe and/or shut off the mains water supply drain your system.