Cold weather preparation

• Find your main street shut-off valve and make sure you can turn it off.
• Repair any dripping taps.
• Leave your heating on while you are away from home for short periods.
• If your pipes become frozen, turn the water off at the main street valve.

Ensure that your pipes are fully lagged/insulated. This includes all pipes both hot and cold water systems, and vent valves from your hot water cylinder.

- [holiday home, investment property or business premises that's not occupied]

• Find your main street shut-off valve and make sure it can be turned off.
• Turn off the water and drain header tanks and hot water cylinder.
• If you are unsure how this should be done, contact your plumber.
• Arrange for someone to check on your property at least once a week during the winter season.

Cover for damage caused by burst pipes is normally provided in standard household commercial property policies.

However, always check the details on your own insurance policy as cover could vary.

• Turn off your water supply at the street. If you can't, contact your plumber.
• Phone your insurance company if there is water damage as they will advise exactly what you should do.
• Call your plumber in to undertake repairs, but talk to your insurer about this first.
• If water is leaking out of the ceiling or the walls, turn off your electricity at the meter box. Call your electrician immediately.
• Open all doors and windows where practical to allow your property to dry.
• Protect personal possessions and documents.