How to protect your church in cold weather

Even a small fracture in a pipe can release gallons of water, damaging masonry and plaster, carpets and other contents.

You can reduce the risk of burst pipes by following a few simple steps:

• Ensure water pipes are well-lagged.
• Have the boiler and heating system serviced regularly and check that the frost thermostat is working correctly.
• Make sure you know where to turn off the water supply.

If you find a frozen pipe, don’t wait for it to burst. Turn off your water supply and then slowly thaw the pipe by introducing gentle heat to the affected area. For example, use a hairdryer, space heater or hot water bottle. Never attempt to thaw a pipe with a blow torch or other open flame.

If the worst happens and you have a burst pipe, turn off the water supply at the stopcock and try to catch any excess water in a bucket or bowl. Don’t use any electrical items that may have been in contact with escaping water. You’ll need to have these checked by a qualified electrician.

Autumn brings fallen leaves that fill gutters and clog downpipes. If they’re not maintained, blockages lead to a build-up of water that can eventually cause damage. And if there is a blockage in a downpipe, any trapped rainwater may freeze and crack or shatter the pipe.

Remember to check your valleys, gutters, hoppers and downpipes for blockages. Make sure they can carry water away quickly and efficiently. Signs of soil being washed away at ground level or splashes of soil at the base of walls can show that water is not being caught by the gutter.

If there are blockages, arrange for a local contractor who can work safely at height to clear the problem.

You have a duty of care to ensure that any visitors are safe.

Unfortunately, slips and trips can happen, particularly when there is ice and snow on the ground. You are obliged to take actions that are ‘reasonable in the circumstances’. This can include making sure entry and exit routes are kept free of slip and trip hazards and clearing and gritting paths.

You don't need to clear every path, but you need to create one safe route into the building.

What is and isn’t ‘reasonable’ action may depend on timing and circumstance. For example, if it’s still snowing, it wouldn’t be considered reasonable to try and clear paths. But the longer snow and ice remain on the ground after it stops snowing, the greater the likelihood of it being considered reasonable to try to clear it.

If your main heating system fails, we recommend you use electric convector or fan-assisted heaters with thermostatic cut-outs (that operate in the event of overheating) as a temporary measure.

Liquid petroleum gas (LPG) heaters give off water vapour which can damage buildings and fittings, and can lead to the onset of rot in woodwork. If they are used, cylinders should be kept to a minimum and, preferably, changed in the open air in a well-ventilated area away from any source of ignition.

Never use electric radiant heaters and paraffin/oil-fired heaters, even as a temporary measure.

Site portable heaters well clear of woodwork or other combustible materials. Where possible, use guards to protect heaters from being knocked over or moved accidentally.

Don’t leave temporary heaters unattended for long periods or if the building is empty. Temporary heaters should never be moved when switched on.

• Heat the property to reduce the chance of frozen pipes.
• If you are going away for an extended break, drain down and shut off your water system.
• Ask somebody to check on your property daily. Finding water leaks early can reduce damage and cut costs.

Make sure you check for unoccupancy conditions or warranties listed in your policy. If you need any clarification, call us on 0345 777 3322.

Read our unoccupied church FAQs

Please be aware this advice is provided to you as best practice guidance from Ecclesiastical. Please check your policy documents for details of any conditions specific to your policy.