Protect Your Pipes Before Cold Weather Bites

Homeowners are being advised to do a quick health check on their properties after hundreds of homes were drenched by burst pipes last winter.

• In 2010 Aviva saw six times more freezing weather-related claims than average

• In the very cold snap at the end of 2010 60% of freeze claims were for burst pipes

• The average cost of damage caused by burst pipes was around £8,000. 

Just one burst pipe in the loft can mean water gushing through your property ruining furnishings and belongings along the way and in some cases bringing whole ceilings down. For the homeowner this can mean months of disruption while their house is dried out and repaired.

Rob Townend, director of household claims at Aviva, advises homeowners to follow some simple tips before the cold weather bites: "Although it has been a relatively mild Autumn it is easy to forget how quickly temperatures can plummet and many homeowners were caught out by the severe weather at the beginning of last winter. "Freezing and burst pipes can be a real problem - in some cases ruining entire floors of your home.

The risk can be worse in traditional properties without modern heating systems or properly insulated pipes. "And when homes are left empty, burst or leaking pipes often aren't discovered for many days and so damage can get progressively worse. "So be particularly aware if you are planning to leave your home for Christmas or New Year - if you can keep the central heating on low so that warm air can circulate throughout the house.

"The problem starts when the thaw begins so make sure you have someone who can check on your home regularly and in particular when temperatures start to rise again, that way any leaks can be spotted early and stopped."

Your cover Damage caused by freezing water and leaking or "escaping" water from tanks, pipes, or heating systems is covered as standard under Aviva's contents and buildings insurance policies. Damage to the pipe itself, caused by freeze, is also covered under Aviva's buildings insurance.

Aviva's home insurance also gives you alternative accommodation cover if you have to move out of your home while the damage is being repaired.