When the beast from the east hit the country in 2018, NFU Mutual recorded more than 1,660 claims for leaks from frozen pipes, more than ten times the average in milder years since.

“Last year, NFU Mutual received almost 6,500 water leak claims in 2023 at an average cost of £9,670,” said Andrew Chalk, rural insurance specialist at NFU Mutual.

“Water leaks are a hidden danger for landowners, potentially causing significant damage and disruption.

“Larger claims can reach more than £100,000, and it is common for a leak to cause such damage that it forces a person to leave their property to allow for repairs and structural work.”

How to prevent pipes from freezing?

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To prevent your pipes from freezing, it is important to:

• Know where your internal shut-off valve/faucet is located (it’s usually under the kitchen sink) and how to turn it off.
• Keep your home as warm as possible, even if you’re away
• Insulate pipes in exposed or drafty areas
• Leave the roof hatch open to let in hot air in extreme weather conditions when there is a risk of uninsulated water tanks and pipes freezing.
• Keep your boiler service up to date
• Have the name and telephone number of the nearest qualified plumber handy.

What to do if you have a frozen pipe

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If you notice that one of your pipes may be frozen, close your indoor stopcock immediately, advises the Met Office.

You’ll usually find it under the kitchen sink, but it can also be found in downstairs bathrooms, in kitchen cupboards, in garages, basements or under stairs.

Turn on nearby cold water faucets (keep the shut-off valve closed), as this will relieve pressure on the frozen pipe.

It’s best to thaw the pipes slowly, with hot water bottles or towels soaked in hot water.

Never use an open flame or blowtorch to thaw the pipe – direct heat can cause permanent damage and may also cause a fire in your home.

If you need assistance, contact a licensed plumber.

What to do if you have a burst pipe

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Sometimes frozen and thawed pipes can cause them to burst. If this happens:

• Turn off the water supply to your property at the shut-off valve and turn off your boiler.
• Open all your faucets to drain the system as quickly as possible, saving some water in a bucket for flushing toilets and washing hands.
• When the water stops flowing, turn off all the taps
• Absorb escaping water with towels to limit damage
• Call a licensed and qualified plumber to work on your home’s plumbing system.
• If water has leaked near your electrical appliances, do not touch them and turn them off at the fuse box.

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