Fight the freeze

Watch our short and informative Home Maintenance videos and let Tommy Walsh guide you through some straightforward tips and advice.

Before the cold weather arrives:

• Make sure all pipes and tanks in the loft space are fully lagged.
• Find your main stopcock and make sure you can turn it off and on. If you have a water meter, the ‘off’ switch is on the meter – probably right outside your house.
• Repair any dripping taps.
• Check your loft insulation is thick enough and in good condition.

If you are away from home:

• Leave your heating on to maintain an air temperature of at least 5c (40F) especially if you are away for more than a day or two during the winter months.
• Open the loft trap door to allow warm air to reach the loft.
• Ask a friend or neighbour to check your home – if there is a problem, it’s better to find out sooner rather than later.

If pipes or tanks are frozen:

• Turn off the water at the main stopcock or meter.
• Switch off the central heating, immersion heater, etc.
• Turn on all your taps to drain the system.
• If water has flooded wiring or electrical systems – do not touch them before arranging a professional inspection. Turn off the electricity at the mains.
• Call professional tradesmen – plumbers, electricians, etc – to make repairs.
• And most important of all – contact Direct Line immediately to
  register your claim and get further guidance on what to do next!

These pages are for information only and do not form part of any contract or policy.