Aviva advises pipe protection in winter

by Richard Kilner

Story link: Aviva advises pipe protection in winter

After the costly cold weather that struck the country last winter, Aviva is advising homeowners to give their properties a once over to help stave off burst pipes.

Last winter Aviva recorded sixfold the average number of claims related to winter weather, with 60% of claims for burst pipes.

As well as being greatly inconvenient, burst pipes are not cheap to fix and the average claim for them was around £8,000.

A single burst pipe can have a dramatic impact, even bringing down ceilings and causing months of repair and disruption.

Rob Townend, director of household claims at Aviva, advises those leaving the home for a few days or longer to keep their heating on at a low level to prevent pipes freezing.

Ensuring that proper lagging and insulation is in place can also help prevent burst pipes.

According to ABI figures, the December 2010 freeze saw 450,000 customers helped by insurers, with 103,000 claims for burst pipe damage.