Plumbers who have taken approved training courses could find that they are invaluable to property owners that experience pipe damage this winter.
According to insurance provider Aviva, the number of claims for frozen pipes and water damage in commercial properties increased by 20 per cent between December 2008 and February of this year.
The company's property claims manager Paul Redington commented that while businesses are closed for the holidays, problems caused by water can quickly escalate and cost the business thousands of pounds.
He added that a good way to avoid any such issues would be to ensure qualified tradespersons are employed.
"During the construction phase of any new build and during maintenance work, systems need to be properly tested and commissioned before going live and plumbers must be competent," he said.
He added that vacant properties regularly need to be checked over the festive period.
More Than's head of home insurance Annette Lepper recently stated that the resulting damage from frozen pipes could be as bad as that caused by flooding.
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