UK households are facing eye-watering repair bills this winter due to a common heating mistake, according to reports. Insurance expert Matt Durrant warns the error could cost thousands
With winter now in full swing, most households are cranking up their heating, but a simple error could land them with hefty bills. UK homes are reportedly facing eye-watering repair costs this winter and, according to insurance expert Matt Durrant from i4me, a surprisingly common heating blunder is responsible for the worst of the damage, and it’s something you’ll definitely want to sidestep this January.
Matt explains that loft water tanks frequently freeze or overflow during cold spells. “It’s a perfect storm,” Matt said. “When a ballcock valve in a loft tank fails, water can flow continuously. If the tank freezes, it can split or overflow, and the water doesn’t trickle. It cascades through the house.”
In older or period homes featuring ornate ceilings, it’s not unusual for claims from such incidents to surpass £75,000, ranking them among the most expensive winter insurance cases nationwide. And it’s not the only heating misstep that could see you haemorrhaging cash.
Why loft insulation aggravates the issue
Whilst homeowners are urged to insulate their lofts, this ironically heightens the risk. The warmth remains in the living spaces, leaving the loft itself significantly colder.
“People think insulation protects everything,” Matt said. “But it actually traps heat below, so the tank is sitting in a freezing cold space. In the north of the UK, loft temperatures can plummet quickly.”
The heating mistake behind the biggest losses
Matt highlights that the most severe claims stem from one critical mistake – setting the heating too low or switching it off entirely when the property is unoccupied. The situation worsens with older storage heaters.
“Many can’t maintain a minimum temperature in very cold spells,” Matt warned. “That’s when pipes freeze.”
The risk escalates significantly for holiday homes and holiday lets, as properties can remain vacant for extended periods before anyone discovers a leak. This is why insurance policies for such properties typically stipulate specific winter requirements and inspections that owners must adhere to.
Unoccupied homes face the greatest vulnerability. “If no one is there to catch a leak early, the damage is massive”, Matt added. “We’ve seen significant structural damage in cases like this.”
He also cautioned that certain claims have been rejected when property owners failed to maintain the minimum temperature specified in their policy terms.
Essential advice to avoid the issue
- Test the ballcock valve – a sticking or faulty valve is one of the most common causes of major overflows.
- Look for signs of previous leaks – damp patches or wet insulation in the loft can indicate a problem that will worsen in freezing weather.
- Check lagging on pipes and the tank – thin or missing insulation is a major freeze risk in cold snaps.
- Keep loft temperatures safe – heating set too low (or switched off) leaves the loft at freezing point.
Arrange for someone to inspect the property during your absence. A brief loft inspection can identify issues days before water damage becomes visible downstairs.
As temperatures plummet, Matt identified this as the primary winter hazard for UK homeowners. “A small heating tweak can save tens of thousands of pounds,” he added. “It’s the easiest decision you’ll make all winter.”
