Winter weather tips

For UK customers only

Norwich Union has produced some simple tips for homeowners to help avoid the trauma of winter house problems:

• Locate main stopcock
• Lag all pipes and tanks with insulation material before winter sets in
• Ensure you have thick loft insulation
• Repair dripping taps to stop the water freezing and splitting the pipes
• If you go away leave your heating at the minimum setting
• Check whether your boiler is due for a service
• Repair loose roof tiles and ensure the whole roof is watertight
• Repair crumbling brickwork promptly to ensure water cannot get in and freeze
• Clean and flush out all gutters
• Check timber windows and door frames and repair or repaint where necessary
• Ask a friend or relative to visit your home every day when you are not there

And if the worst happens and a pipe bursts:

• Turn off the mains stopcock and turn on all cold water taps
• Switch off the central heating system
• If the pipe has frozen, thaw it with a hot water bottle or hair dryer - never use a blow torch, heat gun, cigarette lighter or matches
• Protect or remove items that may be damaged by water

To make a claim, Norwich Union customers should call the 24-hour claimline on 0800 012345 or 0800 555333 (all calls are free).