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Burst pipes could dampen festive cheer

Friday, 24 December 2010 1:43 PM

British homeowners are being warned to check the plumbing of the properties regularly as slight thaws threaten to bring a spate of burst pipes to the UK over Christmas.

Matthew Scott, claims manager for rural insurance firm NFU Mutual, said: "Large areas of the UK are seeing the coldest temperatures and heaviest snowfalls for decades.

"We're already dealing with hundreds of burst pipe claims - but we are very concerned that a thaw could lead to many more bursts," he added.

Scott explained that frost-damaged plumbing frequently goes unnoticed, until a sudden thaw leads to frozen water melting and escaping from lofts and unheated rooms.

"Country properties tend to be particularly vulnerable to frost damage because they tend to be in isolated locations where they are exposed to the full force of the elements," the expert went on to say.

Meanwhile, other insurers have issued property maintenance advice to help homeowners prevent the issue of burst pipes over the coming weeks and months.

According to MORE TH>N, the basic steps in preventing a freeze include keeping the central heating set to a minimum of 10-12C.

In the long term, property owners were urged to consider insulating their pipes, lofts and any cavity walls.
 

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