Protecting your pipes this winter
01/07/2024
Winter is a time where village halls and community buildings could be more at risk of expensive claims caused by frozen pipes or water leaks. In this article, we explore how to help prevent these claims from happening.
The threat of burst pipes in cold winter months are more common in un-occupied buildings such as village or community halls. It is important in these circumstances that regular inspections take place following a robust and documented risk assessment. Make sure you address any issues that could result in a burst pipe as soon as possible. Read our guide on escape of water for signs to look out for.
Most claims triggered by escape of water include damage to ceilings, flooring and walls which could result in costly structural repairs. Electrical equipment or wiring could also be affected, resulting in your building being out of action for longer. Before the weather takes a turn, make sure you check your insurance policy has the appropriate levels of cover for your equipment and building, particularly if you have recently bought new electronics or furniture.
Fitting frost stats (thermostats which are set to trigger the heating when the temperature falls to 5°C) can help. However, the harsh or sudden drop in temperatures can mean that even this isn’t enough. To make them as effective as possible, ensure frost stats are in the coldest part of the building. Where standard thermostats are in use, consider setting these higher to around 10°C.
New technology has emerged which can help detect water leaks and prevent damage such as a smart water leak detectors. If you have a smart assistant, these could be paired to notify you if there is unusual activity such as drop in pressure or a heavy flow of water.
The loft space of an insulated property will be much colder, so pipes in the loft will need to be well insulated, usually to the standard of pipes on an outside wall. Modern plumbing trends such as plastic pipes, whilst cheaper, can pose other risks. These feature push-fit joints over traditional copper and brazed joints which are less strong and, over time, plastic pipes may become less resilient. Plastic pipes can also shatter when frozen and accidently knocked, insulating these will not only help with preventing water freezing, but also act as a cosy cushion for any accident prone people walking by.
Taking action in colder months when buildings are less used is key. Frozen pipes should not be your only focus, burst pipes can also be caused by poor installation, inappropriate fittings and poor maintenance. Ensure you have an appropriate regular maintenance programme in place which includes, make sure to clean out your gutters and clear debris away from storm drains as these could cause external water to enter your property if blocked.
To try and prevent a leak or flood from happening at your village hall this winter, ensure you consider the following:
Careful inspections
- Ensure regular risk assessments are completed and the results are noted, with any actions logged
- Check and maintain heating systems regularly
- Check that pipes and water tanks are well lagged, especially in roof spaces
- Check for leaks, drips and overflows as this could indicate problems
- If buildings are left unoccupied for more than 30 days, drain all pipes, tanks and heating systems and disconnect water supplies
Regular maintenance
- Ensure plans for buildings showing the location of stop cocks are available in an emergency
- Maintenance regimes should include clearing gutters of debris to reduce blockages and water overflow
- Protect and insulate external taps and pipes from frost
- Fit water management devices that detect falls or increases in pressure that could be due to burst pipes and automatically turn off the water supply
- Install a bund wall around water tanks to catch leaking water, preventing damage in the building
- Check your contents cover in respect of equipment and that you have the appropriate level of cover
Temperature control
- Fit frost thermostats and check existing locations to ensure they work effectively
- Set heating system thermostats to 10°C to maintain ambient temperature to prevent water pipes freezing
Find out more on how Market Bosworth Tennis Club were affected by a frozen burst pipe, and how Zurich helped them get back up and running:
Further reading
- The importance of having Adequate Sums Insured
- How to do a risk assessment for your not for profit
- Risk Assessment: for Village Halls and Special Events
