An unoccupied house is extra prone than a house this is lived in, particularly all over the wintry weather months when plummeting temperatures could cause frozen pipes and bursts.

Remaining yr used to be one of the most worst on report for insurance coverage claims brought about via “freezing occasions” in unoccupied properties, consistent with Chelsea Skakespeare from insurance coverage mavens Adrian Flux. Right here the family insurance coverage group supplies some recommendation on combating frozen pipes and what you’ll be able to do in the event that they do freeze.

5 tricks to steer clear of freezing pipes for your unoccupied house

If chilly climate is forecast it is sensible to take some easy precautions to stop your pipes from freezing:

1. Insulate pipes and water tanks

Wrap outdoor pipes and the ones in less warm spaces of the house with insulation. Insulate water tanks, particularly the ones in less warm puts just like the loft.

2. Depart the heating on

If it’s possible, set your thermostat to 15C. This helps to keep the air within heat to lend a hand forestall inner pipes from freezing. Open cupboard doorways and loft hatches to permit heat air to flow into round pipes beneath sinks or within the loft.

3. Flip faucets on frequently

If your house is to be unoccupied all over a large freeze, organize for somebody to discuss with frequently to show the faucets on. It’s more difficult for water to freeze if it’s operating.

4. Isolate outdoor water provides

When you do have uncovered pipework and outdoor faucets believe having isolators fitted within the house so you’ll be able to flip off the availability ahead of a large freeze. Higher nonetheless, handiest flip the availability on when you find yourself in truth the usage of external faucets. 

5. Drain the water device

If you realize your house can be unoccupied in chilly climate, take into accounts draining the water device. Learn our helpful weblog on whether or not you will have to flip the software products and services off when a house is left unoccupied.

What to do in case your water pipes freeze

In case your pipes do freeze there’s a chance they are going to burst or joints rupture. If a pipe has burst, flip off the availability on the forestall cock and get in touch with a professional plumber.  Talk over with the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering to discover a plumber for your house. 

In case your pipes are handiest frozen however there are not any leaks it’s stiil recommended to get a qualified in, however you need to take a look at defrosting them your self. 

Methods to defrost frozen pipes

Flip at the faucets to alleviate force at the water device. It’ll additionally point out which pipe is frozen.

If water doesn’t pop out of a number of faucets, you will have to name a plumber but when just one faucet is affected, you’ll be able to most likely take on this your self.

Out of doors pipes or the ones in unheated puts equivalent to lofts are extra liable to freezing temperatures. You might be able to paintings again from the affected faucet to search out the segment that you are going to want to thaw.

When you’re now not positive the place the frozen pipe is or it’s now not simple to get to, flip up the heating. Expanding the air temperature via a couple of levels might thaw affected pipes.

Open cabinets and loft hatches to let the nice and cozy air flow into round all pipework. To hurry the method you need to use a transportable heater for unheated inner spaces such because the storage or loft. If in case you have recognized the pipe this is frozen a hair dryer may well be sufficient to thaw it.

When does an empty house turn out to be regarded as as unoccupied?

If your house is to be left unoccupied for a longer length learn our weblog outlining 12 jobs you should do ahead of leaving your house empty. 

Maximum insurance coverage insurance policies regard a belongings as being unoccupied whether it is to be left empty for 30 days or extra, but it surely’s a good suggestion to test in your coverage record. 

Nice insurance coverage, regardless of the climate

If your house is to be left empty for a longer length it will have to be secure via specialist unoccupied house insurance coverage. Name Adrian Flux on 0800 369 8590 for a fast and bother unfastened quote – however guide a callback at a time that fits you.  When you so suppose you wish to have to make a declare after your pipes have frozen, take a look at the phrases and stipulations of your insurance coverage as all of them vary moderately and may well be the adaptation between a paid and un-paid declare.