Tens of thousands of UK families could face the misery of burst water pipes and blocked drains this autumn and winter, HomeServe, the home assistance provider, is warning.
As Britain braces itself in light of severe weather warnings from the Met Office, stark statistics from HomeServe reveal its home assistance teams dealt with more than a quarter of a million plumbing and drainage claims in the last year alone – around one every two minutes.
Greg Reed, HomeServe’s chief marketing officer, said:
“Emergency call-outs are most prevalent during the more inclement weather of the autumn and winter seasons, but our home assistance teams are on standby to support families across the UK every day. We know from our own statistics that more than a quarter of a million families in the UK were blighted by burst pipes, blocked drains and other plumbing and drainage problems in 2013.”
HomeServe’s statistics reveal that:
- In 2013, HomeServe responded to 258,846 plumbing and drainage claims or problems – 30 every hour on average, or one every two minutes
- Last year alone, HomeServe fixed or unblocked around 60,000 drains and repaired or replaced more than 100,000 pipes
- 89% of problems attended by HomeServe approved plumbers are fixed during the first call
The Met Office has this week issued severe weather warnings for parts of the UK, and winter 2013 was one of the wettest since 1766. With the UK braced, HomeServe is calling on Britain’s homes to consider taking steps to protect themselves in the event of plumbing and drainage emergencies.
New customers can take advantage of a limited offer from HomeServe, with plumbing and drainage cover at just 75p per month in the first year. The offer is available until December 15 (after which it rises to just £1 each month for the first 12 months) and offers protection against burst pipes, blocked sinks and drains, as well as seized and dripping taps (terms apply, offer available to homeowners only.)
Gregg said:
“Many UK families have cover to protect themselves if they experience plumbing and drainage problems. However, there are still many that don’t, and the pre or post-Christmas payment shock of a burst pipe or blocked drain, can sometimes be difficult to manage. Come rain or shine, we’re here to help if people need us and we’re proud that almost one in nine of all plumbing emergencies are fixed first time by our dedicated UK teams.”
To find out more about HomeServe and all the relevant terms and conditions of the offer, visit homeserve.com.