Follow some simple steps to minimise the risk of water damage – TAKE ACTION NOW:

• Service heating systems at the very least annually
• Protect pipes and tanks with good quality lagging to BS6700
• Repair dripping taps and faulty ball valves as they can often cause waste pipes to freeze
• Ensure all boilers are protected against freeze and drain down all idle boilers
• ‘Ice dams’ can be created on the edges of roofs, especially tiled roofs, by the continual thawing and refreezing of melted snow. Water may ‘back up’ up the roof getting under the tiles and leaking into the building. To assist in  prevent this, keep drains open and free of ice in a safe manner. Engage specialist companies to perform this – if necessary
• Insulate all tanks and water pipes in the building which could be liable to freezing, particularly those in roof voids
• Locate your main stop cock where the water enters the property – make sure all staff know where and how to stop the water in the event of an emergency. Test the stop cock now to ensure it is in working order
• Ensure that insulation in roof voids is not under the cold tank and goes over pipe work not under.

If you are planning or are forced to close your business premises during the winter months:

Make sure someone regularly inspects the building every few days, knows the whereabouts of the stop cock and who to contact in the event of an emergency. Early detection will help to minimise damage should pipes freeze

• Where possible leave the heating system on, if not possible turn water off at the mains and drain the pipes and tanks
• For shop insurance policies, store stock off the floor where possible and to comply with policy conditions
• Make sure all employees know what to do in the event of a burst pipe or leak, have a list of all emergency contacts such as plumbers easily accessible
• Revisit your Business Continuity Plan regularly to make sure it is up to date or create one or speak to your professional insurance advisor. Check your sums insured are correct and that your Business Interruption indemnity period is sufficient to cover a major disruption to your business
• If you have an office insurance policy, consider backing up any computer records and storing them off site-what will you need to continue to run your business and support any business interruption claim
• Ensure that any unique paper documents are protected or stored off site or copied
• Refresh your knowledge of your areas of responsibility if you are a tenant and ensure you have emergency contact details for the landlord insurance or managing agent
• If the premises are unoccupied or become unoccupied you should notify your insurance advisor. Water should be turned off at the mains. Check you have adequate business insurance protection

Escape of water can be prevented – by following the advice above you could stop it from happening to you.

A burst pipe can cause serious damage to a business’s electrical wiring and structure. The following steps describe what you should do as soon as you discover a burst pipe. Act immediately – the quicker you can stop the water, this will reduce the risk of further extensive damage. Proceed with utmost caution and do not endanger yourself by attempting repairs. If in doubt, contact a professional company.

1.           Turn off the water supply.

To Turn off the main stop tap – turn it clockwise.. Drain the system by turning on all your cold taps. If water has been leaking through for some time and the ceilings are bulging – be careful, it may not be safe to enter. If safe, carefully punch a hole to let the water escape, and catch the water in buckets positioned underneath. Again be careful in case the ceiling collapses. If in doubt do not touch the ceiling.

2. Turn off water heating systems

Switch off the heating system. Once water heating has shut down, turn on the hot taps to help drain the system.

3.             Turn off the electrics

If water leaks near electrics or electrical appliances, switch off the mains immediately. If it is wet, DO NOT TOUCH THE FUSEBOX.

4.  Call a professional to repair the damage

Electrical wiring damaged by water can be extremely dangerous – you will need to call in a professional if this happens. Contact a reliable plumber to repair the frozen pipe(s).

Note: Frozen pipes can also be considered an emergency as these regularly burst upon thawing. Again, turn off the water supply at the stopcock. Protect everything around the pipe, furniture etc Thaw the pipe gently using a hair dryer or hot water bottle beginning from the tap end. Never use a naked flame or heat gun.