A deep and sustained freeze lasting several days and nights could cause misery across rural Britain, according to NFU Mutual.
Temperatures are set to plummet from Tuesday (27 February) and remain sub-zero for much of the week.
The freezing weather, nicknamed the “beast from the east”, has hit Europe, bringing snow and plunging temperatures across the continent.
According to the Met Office "more than 20cm may have accumulated in places in some eastern counties of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland from a culmination of Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday's snow showers".
Rural insurer NFU Mutual says this will leave rural homes and businesses at risk of burst pipes and subsequent water leaks that could cost thousands of pounds.
The average cost of these type of claims is £5,000 according to the latest NFU Mutual claims data.
“People need to act now before the freeze to help avoid or minimise the damage this could cause,” said Jon Cawley, Head of Claims at NFU Mutual.
'Heartache'
Mr Cawley said a sustained spell of freezing temperatures will affect many buildings that have so far made it through the winter unscathed. He said it could catch people unaware.
“Few things are more depressing than waking up to the smell of wet plaster, dripping water and the realisation that a pipe has burst in your loft,” Mr Cawley said.
“The costs of drying out the house and replacing damaged fixtures and fittings can be met by home and contents insurance. But that doesn’t compensate for the loss of treasured possessions, or the heartache of drying out a water soaked home in the middle of winter and seeing furniture and photographs consigned to the skip.”
Pipe burst
The insurer is urging farmers and rural businesses to make sure their water pipes and tanks are protected.
It is also warning that the plumbing in some properties may have been critically weakened by previous cold snaps.
Recognising the misery caused by mopping up after a pipe burst, NFU Mutual has issued the following advice.
1. Locate your stopcock
This will normally be located below your kitchen sink, or wherever the water supply enters your property. Make sure you can access it and close it easily.
2. Lag above pipes in your loft
Well insulated loft spaces will get very cold in winter and so it’s important you give your water pipes extra lagging to help prevent them freezing and bursting.
3. Keep the central heating on
Keeping the thermostat at a normal setting overnight or while your home is unoccupied will help to keep the building temperature above freezing.
4. Check your plumbing
Checking your pipes for signs of freezing or bursts such as leaking or dripping joints, will help you to react to a possible problem or nip it in the bud. Asking tenants to do the same will help to protect rental properties too.
