We’re approaching the coldest time of year when homes all over the UK will suffer from frozen and burst pipes which flood properties and cause millions of pounds worth of damage. Freezing water exerts incredibly powerful pressures which can burst and block pipes, whether plastic, copper, concrete or steel. It’s one of the most common causes of claims on home insurance, but many people fail to take preventative measures, or know what to do if it happens.

If your pipes burst, try to mimimise any damage by:

  • Turn off the water supply. Turn off the main stop tap – this could be the external stop tap located at your property boundary and/or the internal stop tap which should be in the cupboard under the kitchen sink or at the point where the service pipe comes into your home. Drain the cold water system by turning on all your cold taps. Keep an eye on your ceilings. If water has been leaking for a while, there may be some damaged plaster waiting to fall. Make a hole in the ceiling to let water out if it starts to bulge.
  • Turn off water heating systems. Switch off your central heating, immersion heater and any other water heating systems. If the central heating uses solid fuel, let this die out. Once your water heating has shut down, turn on the hot taps to help drain the system.
  • Turn off the electrics. Don't touch any wet electrical fittings – lights, sockets or appliances. Switch off the electricity supply straight away and call an electrician.
  • Collect the water. It seems like common sense, but you might need as many buckets, pans and any large, potential water-carrying containers to collect the water. If ceilings start to bulge, stand well back and use a long-handled implement to release the water.
  • Call your insurer. Your home insurance provider will have an emergency helpline you can call. You need to tell them as soon as possible about any burst pipes if you think you might need to claim. They’ll be able to advise you on starting the claims process and how payment for repairs is going to be made.
  • Record the damage. Record as much evidence as possible of the damage for use in an insurance claim. Photos are the best record you can make, but also make notes of the damage and the circumstances behind how it happened.
  • Call a professional to repair the damage. Take a look at WaterSafe , the dedicated online search facility set up to help you to find qualified plumbing and heating professionals.
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FAQs

A. Here at Tempest Restoration we have been providing flood restoration services to properties across the UK. In that time we have dealt with water damage of all scales. Over the years have not only been involved in 1000's of small domestic disaster restoration claims but also major incidents from the Cumbrian floods to the Buncefield fire at the oil storage terminal in Hertfordshire. Our continuous investment in the very latest flood drying equipment and technician training enables us to handle professionally any size and scale of flood damage. Our aim is to provide a prompt, professional and reliable disaster restoration service to domestic and commercial property owners.

A. We are fully equipped to clean up flood damage after all types of flood. Over the years we have helped thousands of homeowners and businesses alike recover from Coastal flooding, River flooding, Flash flooding, Groundwater flooding and Sewer flooding. Read our guide on common types of flood water. We are able to deal with all types of water including clean water, grey water (a source of water that contains a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contaminants and causes discomfort or sickness when consumed or even exposed to) and black water (water which contains unsanitary agents, harmful bacteria and fungi, causing severe discomfort or sickness). Read our guide on common categories of water. Floods can be caused for many different reasons. Heavy rainfall, storm water, river flooding, coastal surges, leaking/burst pipes or human error are all typical causes of flood water in the home or business premises. The source of the ingress isn't always visible neither. Water can trace itself to a point from a large distance away from the entry source. Here at Tempest we have specialist detection equipment for trace and access on water ingression to a property.

A. Flood water can devastate a property. The damage may be imperceptibly slow and minor such as water spots that could eventually mar a surface. At this point, the potential damage done to a structure that you may not have been aware of can be large in scale. Or, it may be instantaneous and catastrophic such as flooding. However fast it occurs, water damage is a major contributor to loss of property. Whatever the cause, primary flood damage is just the beginning and you need to act fast to minimise the consequences of secondary damage. Your home is full of porous materials that absorb water like a sponge which will damage structural integrity. Water causes corrosion and damages electrical equipment which can be fatal if not identified. Residual moisture becomes water vapour throughout the building which will condense. If the water is not completely removed it can lead to dry rot and a high risk of microbial growth e.g. mould and bacteria which is damaging to your health and isnt always something visible to the naked eye like typical black mould in a bathroom.

A. After a safety assessment, we look to identify the cause of the water leak or ingress using various tools and equipment. Our experienced team of technicians will look to make a decision on the best course of action for your situation. The next stage utilises advanced water removal equipment followed by rapid drying technology and humidity control to remove the water and moisture from the property.

A. Their are many potential health risks associated with flood water. Apart from the initial potential risk of drowning, the further potential risks to your health very much depend upon the nature of the water. We are able to deal with all types of water including clean water, grey water (a source of water that contains a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contaminants and causes discomfort or sickness when consumed or even exposed to) and black water (water which contains unsanitary agents, harmful bacteria and fungi, causing severe discomfort or sickness). If there is any possibility of contamination DO NOT TOUCH IT, call Tempest Restoration on 0845 052 4522. Read our guide on common categories of water.

A. Every case is different and their are many factors that make up the scale of damage and repair required due to flood damage of a property. We recommend a site survey to ascertain the level of damage and repair required. Once on site, we are able to quickly advise on the best course of action to bring about the most effective recovery. Our state-of-the-art equipment ensures the remediation process will be thorough, effective and as fast as possible, returning your home or business to normality as quickly as possible. Using the latest technology and with highly experienced technicians, our aim is to complete the restoration in the best way to reduce costs and prevent secondary damage in the future.

A. Every flood is unique and as such the timescale is dependent on many variations and factors. A small scale water leak is usually quiker to repair than large scale flooding caused by a river overflowing. Our knowledgeable and experienced team will assess the damage and act fast and efficiently to provide a tailored and precise response to your properties specific requirements. The use of modern equipment, rapid drying technology and working practise means that your home or business will be safely and quickly returned to normal, minimising disruption and cost.

A. We operate across the UK with technicians available in major towns and cities. Our head office is based in Swaffham, Norfolk where we undertake all our training.

Tempest Restoration

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Unit 3 Jack Boddy Way Swaffham, Norfolk PE37 7HJ

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Phone: 0845 052 4522
General enquiries: info@tempestrestoration.co.uk

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Registered office: 19 King Street, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1HB

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