Canada
Ireland
In December 2022, during a prolonged frozen spell in the UK, Ecclesiastical’s claims teams received almost 300 claims for escape of water incidents, causing millions of pounds of damage in the process.
Water leaks and burst pipes can cause large amounts of damage to properties, especially if they go unnoticed for long periods of time.
Just a small crack in a pipe can release gallons of water, damaging masonry and plaster, carpets, and other contents.
Ecclesiastical is advising customers to keep their heating on when temperatures drop below zero as part of its risk guidance on preventing frozen pipes.
- Keep your heating on throughout the winter months – leaving it on low, such as 15°C, will prevent freezing pipes
- Ensure water pipes and cold-water tanks are properly lagged and protected – particularly those in an attic or other vulnerable spaces
- If the property is empty for a period of time, then turn the water off at the stopcock and run the taps until they run dry, remembering to turn them off afterwards
“We know that fuel costs are high, but we’d urge customers not to turn their heating off altogether during this colder weather, as it can lead to much more expensive damage than an energy bill.
“When extreme weather is forecast, we ramp up our capacity to handle any increase in claims – especially where storms and freezing weather combine. Our claims teams work with Disaster Recovery firms and Loss Adjustors to be ready to support customers and businesses getting back on their feet if they are affected by extreme weather.
“Our teams will be there when we are needed to support customers should the worst happen. and can be contacted 24/7 on 0345 603 8381."