Allianz Insurance plc

11/29/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/29/2022 03:09

Allianz urges businesses to protect their pipes from freezing

With businesses turning the heating down or off to keep their energy costs down, Allianz Commercial is sharing tips on how to prevent water pipes and storage tanks from freezing and bursting during the winter months.

Along with leaks and flooding, burst pipes are a common cause of water damage. Allianz data shows that the cost of an escape of water claim in a commercial property last winter was on average £5,330. This type of incident can be very disruptive for a business, as affected areas need to be dried out - which can take weeks - before repairs can start.

Although businesses get a discount this winter on gas and electricity unit prices, those prices are still double what they were in October 2021. Rising costs are affecting 89% of small firms, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), with utilities and fuel as the primary cost factors.

In this context, some pubs have considered closing for the cold season, while other businesses are looking at their heating costs. These steps come with some risks that need to be mitigated.


To stop pipes from freezing, businesses should consider:

  • Lagging their pipes or having low-level heating near exposed pipework and tanks; keeping the thermostat at 12°C or 13°C maintains a consistent heat level that stops pipes from getting too cold
  • Ensuring a frost stat is fitted in areas vulnerable to freezing temperatures
  • Shutting and draining the water system in unused areas but keeping sprinkler systems active and suitably protected from freezing
  • Following manufacturer guidelines for shutting down and restarting the heating