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Tips and Hints from A1 Insurance

Be prepared for the thaw
Date: 8 January 2010

We are here and ready to help. To make a claim, call us on 01937 581417 or look on our website for the contact numbers for insurers helplines 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The cost and personal inconvenience caused by a burst pipe claim can be considerable with claims often running into many thousands of pounds. Just a small fracture can release hundreds of gallons of water into your property; damaging carpets, walls, ceilings and also personal items.

The chance of suffering these losses can be reduced and we would recommend taking the following steps to do this:

General tips:

• Check the location of your stopcock.
• Check whether your boiler needs servicing.
• Check the insulation on your water pipes and cold water tank, those in the attic or other vulnerable spaces should be lagged or similarly protected.
• Modern methods of insulation can be so effective in keeping heat within your property that attics can become very cold, this could cause a pipe to freeze. We therefore recommend you keep your loft hatch open if you have pipes in the attic to keep this area warm.
• Keep doors between heated and unheated rooms open to allow warm air to circulate.
• Keep cupboard doors open below sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing.
• Seal any holes or gaps that may be letting cold air into your property.
• Make sure any valleys and gulley’s on your roof are kept clear and free from debris.
• Make sure any external taps are turned off and disconnect any hoses.
• If you discover a frozen pipe don’t wait for it to burst. Turn off your water supply and then slowly thaw the affected pipe by introducing gentle heat to the area e.g. hair dryer, space heater, hot water bottle. DO NOT attempt to thaw the pipe with a blow torch or other open flame such as a cigarette lighter or matches.

What if you are going away or the property will be unoccupied?

• Keep your property heated to reduce the chance of a pipe freezing.
• If you are going away for an extended break drain and shut off your water system.
• Ask somebody to check on your property daily. This may not prevent a loss but early identification of an escape can help reduce the ultimate cost.
• Ensure you have complied with any unoccupancy conditions or warranties listed in your policy. If you need any clarification call us on 01937 581417

What if the worst happens?

• Turn off the water supply at the stopcock. This should prevent any more water escaping into your property.
• Where practical try and catch any excess water in a bucket or other container.
• Do not use any electrics if you believe these may have been affected by the escaping water. You will need to have these checked by a professional electrician.
• Call us immediately on 01937 581417 to report your claim. We have to a wide range of specialists who can assist with the drying out and clean up of your property and also the necessary repairs or replacement.

We are here and ready to help.

HOUSEHOLD CLAIMS HELPLINE NUMBERS

COMPANY TELEPHONE NO

ALLIANZ 0845 0731114

AVIVA 0800 012345

AXA 0870 5561161

BRIT 0800 5876713

BROKER DIRECT 0844 2489310

CON & GENERAL 01274 700700

ECCLESIASTICAL 0845 6038381

EQUITY 0870 240 1568 OR 0870 240 3598

FORTIS 0870 1222021

GROUPAMA 0870 2403093

LEGAL & GENERAL 0845 2700088

MMA 0844 902 0789

NIG 0870 6071626

PARAGON 0115 9349818

PRESTIGE 08450 777666

TOWERGATE 0870 9050683

ZURICH (B-D) 01204 600311

ZURICH (EMERGENCIES) 0845 712 5220

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