Winter Weather Top Tips

Winter is here again and it is so important that we plan ahead and be prepared!

Be prepared:

Check you have the following things in place so you know you can react quickly if there is a problem.

• Make sure you know the location of all stopcocks and check that they are easily accessible and in good working order

• Keep a record of the layout of all the utilities that service your business, particularly water and gas/oil and check now that the pipes are in good condition

• Assemble a list of reputable local plumbers and boiler engineers and keep their details handy in case you need to call them in an emergency

• Ensure your heating system is serviced and maintained and that you have access to sufficient fuel should there be winter shortages

• Review the fabric of your building and consider where roofing may be vulnerable to heavy accumulations of snow

• Service heating systems at least once a year and consider installing a leak prevention system that allows you to switch off the incoming mains water easily

Preventing burst water pipes:

• Ensure any exposed pipes are protected from impact

• Use good quality insulation to protect pipes and tanks – external pipes, taps and hoses are particularly vulnerable to the cold so ensure they are adequately insulated

• Repair any dripping taps and leaking overflow pipes

• Ensure that the temperature in any building is maintained at a minimum of 10-15 degrees

• This is particularly important at times when your premises may be unoccupied. Leave the heating on low and consider draining down water systems if your premises are left unoccupied for an extended period of time

• Ensure boilers are safeguarded against freezing and in particular drain and condensate lines

When you leave your property unoccupied:

• If you plan to go away, no matter how short a period, leave your heating on – constantly if a cold spell is predicted

• Do isolate the domestic water supply if your property is to be left for a long period.

• Leave the loft hatch open to allow warm air to circulate into the loft space

• Even if you leave your property for longer than one day, ask a neighbour or relative to check the house regularly so that any problems can be detected and dealt with immediately

*Please ensure you refer to your policy terms and conditions regarding maintaining heating temperature and leaving a property unoccupied for an extending period of time.