January 19, 2024 - 452 views
NFU Mutual is warning home and business owners to be on guard for a ‘double shock’ to properties as damaging winds and potentially devastating frozen pipe damage could emerge this weekend.
The period of freezing weather will suddenly come to an end and be replaced with warmer than average temperatures and high winds, with a Met Office warning in place for Storm Isha on Sunday.
With the warm weather increasing the chances of a rapid thaw and frozen pipe damage, and the strong gusts posing a risk to properties, NFU Mutual is urging property owners to be aware of the risks.
Andrew Chalk, rural insurance specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “The stark change in temperature and wind and rain brought by Storm Isha could be a double shock for property owners, and we know that frozen pipes and storm damage can be hugely disruptive – not to mention causing thousands of pounds of damage.
“NFU Mutual is urging home and business owners to be on their guard and to have their insurers’ details on hand in case of emergency. We’ve placed our network of Agencies across the UK on alert and prepared loss adjusters and call handlers in case of an increase in claims.”
Frozen pipe damage may quickly become apparent as the frozen water in pipes begins to thaw. As thawed water begins circulating again, a split pipe could cause damage for hours or days before it’s detected.
Andrew Chalk explains: “We talk of the dangers of frozen pipes but the devastating and disrupting damage comes during the thaw.
“Freezing water expands and can warp and split a pipe, but while the water remains frozen there’ll be relatively little water damage. When the weather suddenly heats up, however, water will quickly begin to recirculate and split or burst pipes will leak, causing up to tens of thousands of pounds’ worth of damage.
“By this time, it can be too late to prevent damage, so we’re urging home and business owners to spot the signs of frozen pipes now. If taps or your boiler aren’t working, or your toilet stops working, turn off your mains water supply, investigate and call a plumber if necessary.
“With the water off, you can thaw pipes yourself to check for a leak by holding a hot water bottle to the area – never a naked flame – and you should call your insurer if you find a leak.
“To prevent frozen pipes over this final day or two of freezing weather, keep heating on, at least to a low level, and make sure the warm air can circulate to all parts of the house.”
Storm Isha, named today by the Met Office, is set to hit on Sunday as high winds batter the UK over the weekend.
Gusts of up to 80mph could be seen in parts of the country by Sunday and home and business owners are warned to pay attention to loose items on buildings or in the garden to avoid unnecessary risks of damage. After recent flooding, heavy rain could also exacerbate flood damage.
Andrew Chalk explains: “As the leading rural insurer, we know that isolated countryside and coastal properties are most at risk of storm damage, but no home or business is safe from gale-force winds.
“It’s worth checking there are no loose hazards on or around your building, or in your garden, which could become battering rams during a storm. You should also check for obvious signs of loose guttering or roofing if it’s safe to do so.”
NFU Mutual has provided a handy guide for property owners on how they can secure their property during a storm, including taking simple measures such as securing or storing garden furniture, moving vehicles away from weak walls or trees where possible, and moving possessions away from ground-level rooms if flood warnings are in place. The leading rural insurer also shares advice on how to prevent frozen pipe damage.
NFU Mutual’s storm resilience guide
Make sure all doors and windows can be securely closed.
Prepare for power cuts: Have torches and batteries to hand and make sure any generators are ready to use if required. If you are using candles, make sure you use them safely and extinguish when leaving the room, and make sure nothing hangs over the candles.
Inspect your property and make repairs to things like loose fence panels or gates.
Make sure gutters are not leaking and are clear of leaves and other debris.
Have a space to put loose outdoor furniture like garden chairs and trampolines. If you do not have an indoor space in which to put them, ensure you have a means of tying down or otherwise securing the furniture.
Safely check that tiles, slates and roofing sheets are in place, securing any that are not.
Inspect trees on your property, removing loose or overhanging branches which may cause damage to your or others’ property in a storm.
Repair or unblock any faulty drains.
If you have a garage, clear a space for your vehicle in the event of a storm. If you do not have a garage, plan where you can park your vehicle during a storm – this should be away from any walls, fences or branches which could fall and damage the vehicle.
Protect and lag water pipes in vulnerable areas and know where the water supply is so that you can turn it off in the event of burst pipes.
Stay alert for Met Office weather warnings in your area.
Have your insurer’s emergency helpline number available.
Additional advice for business owners
In addition to the above, business owners can:
Ensure you have emergency contact details for employees to maintain contact during an extreme weather event.
If you have company vehicles, make sure these are parked away from walls, fences or branches which could damage the vehicles.
Make sure outdoor signage or displays can be secured or brought inside.
Ensure you have adequate signage warning customers of things like wet floors that may be more common during extreme weather.
Prepare an emergency evacuation route in the event of unexpectedly severe weather.
Ensure central heating will come on during freezing weather to avoid frozen pipes, and consider procuring sandbags to protect your business in the event of a flood.
Make sure you have a way of communicating closures with customers.
Consider transport routes to the business and whether traveling will be safe and practical.
While driving
Drive slowly and steadily and leave larger gaps between vehicles. Wet conditions can increase stopping distances by ten times.
In windy weather, leave plenty of room when passing other road users, particularly vulnerable road users like walkers, cyclists and motorcyclists.
Avoid braking suddenly, slowing down gently before corners and junctions.
Accelerate slowly, keeping revs low.
Take care coming up to junctions where road markings may be less visible.
What to do if your pipes freeze
If taps or toilets stop working or refilling, or your boiler stops working, your taps may be frozen. If this happens:
Know where your stopcock is and turn off the water.
Open the taps and then attempt to thaw the area using hot cloths or towels or a similar item like a hot water bottle. Never use a naked flame and do not apply strong heat directly to the area. Consider placing a container beneath the area to catch any leaks if the pipe is burst.
If there is a leak, ensure the mains water supply remains off and the water system is drained and contact your insurer.
Steps to take now to prevent pipes from freezing
The chances of pipes freezing and splitting depends on the weather, the age and construction of the plumbing, and other factors like the level of insulation in your home. However, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the chances of damage.
Insulate pipes and water tanks with inexpensive lagging and tank jackets, paying particular attention to areas exposed to the cold – for example, outdoor pipes and those in attics, basements and lesser-used rooms.
Set your thermostat to kick in above freezing temperature, or set the heating to regularly come on, even if you are not home.
If leaving the house for a number of days, turn the water off at the mains and run the taps to avoid water building up in pipes.
Insulate your home with draught excluders and other methods.
When the heating is on, consider opening doors to little-used rooms and cupboards where pipes are.
Fix leaky taps, which can increase the chance of freezing.
