In the last few weeks, we have suffered some of the worst UK weather conditions ever experienced, with temperatures in parts of the Country reaching as low as minus 23 degrees.
Now that the thaw has set in, we here at Cowens Survival Capability, are preparing our claims department for a spate of burst pipe claims. The last time we dealt with losses on such a great scale was over ten years so we felt it would be very useful to offer you some advice on how to cope with the resulting damage.
Remedial Steps:
A burst pipe is classed as a water emergency – it can cause serious damage to a home’s or business premises structure and electrical wiring.
The following steps describe what you should do as soon as you discover a burst pipe.
 1. Turn off the water supply
- Turn off the main stop tap (stop cock) This is normally situated under the kitchen sink or where the service pipe enters your home.
Drain the system – turn on your cold kitchen tap. This should run momentarily and then stop. Has the burst subsided?
If water has been leaking through for some time and the ceilings are bulging – be careful, rooms may not be safe to enter.
If you notice the leak quickly you can catch dripping water in buckets. Make a hole in the ceiling to let water out if it starts to bulge.
2. Turn off the water heating systems
Switch off the central heating, immersion heater and any other water heating systems
If the central heating uses solid fuel, let this die out
Once water heating has shut down, turn on the hot taps to help drain the system
3. Turn off the electrics
Switch off the central heating, immersion heater and any other water heating systems.
If the central heating uses solid fuel, let this die out
Once water heating has shut down, turn on the hot taps to help drain the system
4. Call a professional to repair the damage
Electrical wiring damaged by water can be very dangerous – you will need to call in a professional if this happens. |
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Handling the Insurance Claim:
1. Call your Insurance broker to report the loss
The bursting of water pipes, tanks or apparatus is a valid peril under most insurance policies, but a number do contain warranties about the length of time a property can be left unoccupied without draining down the water system. You must be sure they have complied with limitations for your claim to be met.
2. Install a dehumidifier
You will be expected to take all steps to mitigate the loss and if the water has been running for some hours or days, it is most likely you will need to install a dehumidifier to commence the drying-out process. Act sooner rather than later, there may well be dearth of dehumidifiers if there is a spate of similar losses.
3. Alternative accommodation or alternative trading premises?
Your family can be re-housed under the alternative accommodation section of their policy if the property is uninhabitable. That means without any of the basic utilities, electricity, gas, and water or if the majority of ceilings have collapsed. Short term accommodation (hotel or friends) should be taken until the insurer’s representative has eventually viewed the damages. They will give approval for a short to medium term let of a comparable property. For commercial occupiers where damage is extensive, alternative trading premises may be required. Cover is usually provided under the Increased Cost of Working sections of a Business Interruption policy. For Landlord’s, a claim for loss of rent may be made where tenants move out to accommodate drying and repair works.
4. Redecorating and minor repairs
The full extent of water damages only appears after the property is completely dry and it might take several weeks of drying-out before the full extent can be assessed. You should resist the temptation to redecorate too early. Insurers will not pay for two lots of redecoration. Minor repairs can be conducted but once again it is prudent to wait until the property dries.
