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According to AA Insurance, the company has seen a 450 percent increase in home floods this winter as a result of frozen pipes.  Consequently, they are advising people to take preventative measures.

The insurer has revealed that an estimated £40 million in claims have been lodged by homeowners across the country.  The cause has been the icy weather conditions freezing water in pipes and roof tanks, which then burst and flood the properties in question resulting in extensive damage.

Director of AA Insurance, Simon Douglas, commented:  “After a decade of mostly mild winters it’s easy to forget the threat posed to your home by freezing pipes.  This year’s big freeze is a reminder that burst pipes can cause serious water damage to both buildings and contents such as carpets and furniture.  As well as dealing with an insurance claim, you face the major hassle of drying out and repairing your home.

“The good news is that you can reduce the risk by taking some simple precautions to stop pipes from freezing - but the time to act is now.”

The principal cause of home insurance claims, at approximately one in five, is an ‘escape of water’ inside the property.  Such claims are generally at their greatest volume during the winter months due to plummeting temperatures, but the extreme cold snap in January has seen claims rocket.  The pipes most in danger of freezing are those that are exposed to the cold, such as outdoor taps and plumbing and unheated basements, lofts and exterior walls.

The Association of British Insurers has revealed that an ‘escape of water’, which includes burst domestic pipes, broken joints and valves, blocked drains, and taps that have been left running, was responsible for £80 million in insurance claims during 2007.  This sum stood at £30 million last winter but the first six weeks of 2009 have already reached an estimated £40 million.

AA Insurance has offered some advice to avoid frozen pipes. During cold spells, occasionally test that all taps are functioning.  If there is a poor flow of water, or non at all, then it may be that the pipes have frozen. Ensure that you are aware of the location of your stopcock, which can be used to cut off the flow of water in the event of a leaking pipe.  Pipes that are most exposed to freezing conditions should be appropriately insulated, including any corners and pipe-work elbows.  The necessary materials can be purchased at DIY stores. If you are going away, do not turn off the central heating – it should be left on ‘tickover’ by setting the thermostat low.  In addition, ask a neighbour, friend or relative to keep an eye on your home so that any burst pipes can be dealt with as soon as possible. Any indoor valves on pipes leading to outdoor taps should be switched off, then the outdoor tap opened to let any water drain away so that there is no water in the pipes to freeze. Regular checks and services for your central heating system should be carried out, as a leaking radiator valve can result in water damage.

Homeowners that are concerned about potential flooding within their home could consider implementing additional measures to protect their property against the elements.  A secured loan could be considered to finance home improvements.  One of many options available, a secured, home improvement loan could cover the cost of installing extra protective measures, and in addition, the cost of repairing anything that is likely to leave the house exposed to poor weather conditions.  Home improvement loans can usually be repaid over a term to suit the borrower from 5 to 25 years.

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