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Levels of COver
Frozen pipes
When the winter approaches, preparing the house becomes increasingly
important. The expense of frozen or burst pipes can be easily avoided
with a few simple precautions:
- Make sure you know where the water mains valve and header tank
are and that you can turn them on and off.
- Repair any dripping taps.
- Check that any pipes or tanks in lofts and any unheated areas
are properly insulated.
- Keep central heating on at a low temperature if you are going
to be away from home overnight or for a few days.
- · If you think your pipes are frozen, turn off the water
at the mains valve and the header tank to cut down the amount
of water that could escape if a pipe bursts.
- Thaw a frozen pipe gently, with a low steady heat such as a
hot water bottle or hair-dryer and not a naked flame. Have something
ready to catch water in case the pipe bursts.
- Keep the telephone number of a plumber readily available in
case of emergencies.
- Check your buildings and contents insurance covers not just
the pipes, but also any damage to furniture or flooring caused
by burst water pipes.
If a frozen pipe does burst, take the following action:
- Switch off the central heating to reduce water flow.
- Open all taps to drain the system.
- Collect all water in containers.
- Turn electricity off at the mains if sockets or appliances have
been affected.
Further reading on levels of cover:
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