Burst Pipes, Prevention And Insurance Claims
Burst Pipes and Insurance Claims: Everything You Need To Know
An extended cold spell at the end of December 2022 and early January 2023 led to burst pipes in buildings all over the UK. Public Loss Adjusters are still receiving an unprecedented number of enquiries from people asking for help with Burst Pipe Insurance Claims.
Read our quick guide on everything you need to know about burst pipes, prevention and what to do if the unthinkable happens on your property.
Why Will A Frozen Pipe Burst?
Water expands as it freezes. This expansion might lead to a pipe cracking or bursting. A leak or a full break in the pipe could come from the pipe rupturing under the pressure of the expanding ice.
Burst pipes can also occur if the pipe is inadequately insulated or the heat in a building is not maintained during cold weather, this can occur when the temperature dips below freezing.
How Can I Stop My Pipes Freezing?
You can take a variety of measures to prevent your pipes from freezing:
- Insulate any pipes that pass through unheated or outdoor areas, including crawl spaces, lofts, and basements. To keep the pipes warm, use pipe sleeves, insulation, or heating tape.
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast: Be aware of any forecast for cold weather and take precautions to protect your water pipes before the temperature drops.
- Allow the faucet to drip: If the temperature is below freezing, allow the faucet to drip a little to keep water moving through the pipes this will make the water less likely to freeze.
- Ensure that you keep the heat on: If you’re going to be away from home during the cold weather, keep the heat on at a temperature no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Seal any air leaks around the pipes to prevent cold air from entering the space and freezing the pipes. Seal any gaps or cracks with caulk or any other appropriate sealant.
- If you have a garage that has a water supply, keep the garage door closed to keep the room temperature above freezing.
By taking these precautions, you can help to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting.
What Should I Do if I Have a Burst Pipe?
You must act quickly to limit the damage from burst pipes and avoid further challenges. Here are some steps you should take:
- Drain the pipe: Allow any residual water to drain out by opening faucets and valves close to the burst pipe.
- Stop the flow of water to the burst pipe, find your home’s main water shut-off valve and turn it off.
- To contain the water and stop it from spreading to other parts of the house, close the doors to the affected areas if possible.
- Clean up as much water as you can from the impacted area. Water should be removed using towels or a mop.
- Identify the damage: Make a list of any damaged items and take photos of the damage. When filing an insurance claim, this information will come in handy.
- Keep track of expenses: Save all receipts and invoices for any repairs since your insurance may cover them. Keep in mind that your insurer may have to approve any expenses BEFORE you pay out for them.
- Prevent freezing: If freezing temperatures were to blame for the burst pipe, take precautions to avoid it happening again. This can entail insulating pipes, plugging air leaks, and maintaining heat in the winter.
Who Should I Call If My Property Has a Water Leak?
A qualified plumber should be the first person you call when burst pipes occur. A plumber can evaluate the damage and swiftly and safely fix the pipe. They are equipped with the skills and expertise necessary to properly repair or replace the pipe.
You should also contact your insurance provider to let them know about the broken pipe and the resulting damage. If you don’t already have a plumber, they should advise you on the subsequent steps in the claim procedure.
For burst pipes, it can be useful to call a water damage restoration company if the damage is severe and spread throughout your property. They can assist in removing the water, drying up the damaged areas, and avoiding mould growth and other problems.
With larger insurance claims due to burst pipes, your insurer should be sourcing a flood restoration company for you. Unfortunately, in busy times your insurer may ask you to find suitable flood restoration companies yourself. If this is the case, you will struggle to find one as they will already be busy!
In the event of a burst pipe, you should take immediate action to limit the damage, stop further problems, and protect your safety as well as the safety of your home.
Also, by calling Public Loss Adjusters we can offer free helpful advice on how to deal with your insurance provider. If required, we can manage every aspect of the burst pipe insurance claim on your behalf.
Who Can Help With Water Damage Insurance Claims?
There are various experts who can help you with burst pipes and also if you need to file an insurance claim:
- Public Loss Adjusters are independent loss adjusters who do not work for insurance companies but instead for policyholders. We can guide you through the claims procedure and make sure your claim is handled fairly and in keeping with your best interests.
- Plumbers: A qualified plumber can fix the broken pipe or give you a quote for the repairs, which you may need for your insurance claim.
- Flood Damage Restoration Companies: You might wish to get in touch with a water damage restoration company if the damage is severe. They can assist in removing the water, drying up the damaged areas, and avoiding mould growth and other problems. Ultimately, they can repair your damaged property.
- Insurance Brokers: If you bought your insurance policy through an insurance broker, they can advise you on your insurance policy and assist you in understanding what is and is not covered.
- Insurance Company: You can get in touch with your insurance provider to alert them to the damage caused by the burst pipe. If you don’t already have a plumber, they will advise you on the subsequent steps in the claim procedure.
Still Need Help With A Flood Insurance Claim?
Don’t worry, when it comes to burst pipes, Public Loss Adjusters are experts who are here to help. We can manage your insurance claim on your behalf to ensure that you receive your full entitlement. As a nationwide group of independent loss adjusters, our job is to ensure that you receive your full insurance entitlement after a burst pipe.
If you need a little advice, we are happy to help. Many people come to us simply because their expectations from their insurer are much higher than the service received. Just remember, the earlier we can get involved, the more beneficial our services can be.
Call Public Loss Adjusters Today on 08000 434 999