Here are some simple steps that we recommend our clients can take:

Gutters, Down Pipes and Drains
Now the last winter leaves are falling, these could potentially lie in the gutters or on your drain covers.  This could increase the risk of water getting into your home especially during the unpredictable heavy rainfall, which is becoming a feature of UK weather. 

• Clear debris from gutters to allow water to drain away freely and check for any blockage's in the pipework to ensure no water is escaping.
• If you have drainage ditches or culverts near to your home and they appear not be free flowing please ask the owner (or relevant authority) to clear them of any detritus.

Dry Lined cellars, basements or properties protected by pumps
Check that the uninterrupted power supply/battery back up for these is serviceable and that the pumps are fully operational.

 

Pipe work, radiators and tanks
Ensure that you protect against frost by lagging pipes in lofts, out buildings and other exposed areas.

If you are planning to holiday during the winter months leave the heating on to protect the home throughout the entire 24 hour period and arrange for regular inspection to ensure all is well – often the change in water use during absences exposes unidentified issues such as overflows or ball valves, which if undetected for an extended period result in damage and inconvenience.

Open fires, log burning stoves
Before using these for the first time for an extended period make sure that they are swept and free of obstruction to minimise the risk of soot fall or chimney fire.

Use a spark guard when leaving a room with an unattended open fire.

We hope this information is useful to you and helps to prevent or mitigate a loss at your home from storm flood or water damage.