Homeowners must be prepared for another period of freezing weather and ensure they minimise the risk of making home insurance claims.
Fortis is calling on Brits to take immediate action to protect their properties, even if they avoided damage in the previous spell of harsh weather.
It points out that thawing can present its own problems and suggests several steps that homeowners can take right now to reduce the chances of something going wrong and leading to a home insurance claim.
Things such as taps, heating, lofts and water stopcock should all be checked, as the home insurance provider reveals that last year, thousands of homes were affected by an escape of water, and up to a third of all claims were for such damage.
The average household claim cost some £2,000, it adds.
Fortis, the British Insurance Brokers' Association and property repair firm Rok have joined forces to help reduce the negative impact of water escape and have produced a free, downloadable risk management guide, which contains tips on carrying out simple checks in the home.
"They are straightforward to follow and could save a great deal of money, disruption and loss of personal items and valuable possessions," commented Gary Lobb, head of operations at Fortis.
"The snow may have thawed in some parts of the country which brings fresh problems and elsewhere snow is predicted again so act now is the advice."
Changes in temperature present particular problems for water pipes.
When water freezes it expands and can crack pipes or make them burst at the seams.
It is only when temperatures rise and the ice starts to melt that water can flow again and the damage becomes apparent.
Homeowners should ensure pipes are well insulated and keep an eye out for any drips or damp spots.
Those on a meter can also check for leaks by turning all water off and looking to see if any use is being registered.
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