Leaks and floods

Know where your stop tap is

It is essential to know where your stop tap is before you need to use it. The stop tap controls the supply of water to your house. In the event of a leak, the stop tap allows you to turn off the mains water supply. Most stop taps can be found under the sink or in the garage where the mains water supply is. If it is not in either of these places and you have a storage tank, it may be somewhere nearby. Try looking in the airing cupboard or the loft if you have one.

Some houses are also fitted with a drain tap that allows you to drain the pipes after you have turned the stop tap off.

Insulate tanks and pipes

The cold winter months can cause problems for your tanks and pipes. Insulating your tanks and pipes could not only save you money on your energy bills but also help the environment. Insulate your hot and cold water tanks with a ready-made tank jacket. You can buy one at most DIY stores. If you’re not sure where your cold water tank is, have a look in the loft (if you have one).

To prevent pipes from freezing, keep your central heating at a constant temperature in all your rooms. If you are going out or away for a few days, keep the heating turned down low so that you don’t come home to frozen pipes. Check to see if your pipes have modern or rubber insulation. If not, it would pay to upgrade them.

What to do if your pipes freeze

Before you start defrosting your pipes, check for signs of splitting. If your pipes are fine, open up all the taps in your house. You can thaw the pipes using an electric fan heater or a hairdryer. Do not in any circumstance use a naked flame.

If your pipes have split or your central heating system has frozen, it’s time to call a plumber.

Keep draughts out

Draughts can make you and your pipes feel the cold. The most common places where draughts sneak in are through floors, skirting boards, doors and letterboxes. You can stop draughts with double-glazing, draught excluding tape and/or draught excluders.

Check your boiler

Have your boiler checked on a regular basis. It is also a good idea to have it serviced before winter. If your existing boiler has seen better days, think about replacing it with a condensing boiler that helps save energy.

No more drips

Dripping taps are a waste of water. In the winter months, dripping taps could freeze in your waste pipe causing a flood in your home. Ensure that you turn your taps off properly when you have finished using them. If the drip persists, a washer may have come loose. You can replace it yourself as it is a straightforward DIY job.

What to do in the event of a burst pipe or flood

Before you start frantically searching for a plumber, turn off your stop tap and waste tap (if you have one).  Then call a plumber. If your electrical fittings are wet, call an electrician to come and inspect them.

Home insurance

Most home insurance policies cover flooding, leaks and burst pipes. Check with your insurer exactly what you are covered for and how much cover you have. For a home insurance quote and more information about the types of home insurance available from Churchill, visit www.churchill.com/home.