AS temperatures have begun to plummet, rural insurer NFU Mutual is advising homeowners to prepare for the worst of the winter weather.

In 2016, claims the insurer received for damage caused by burst pipes averaged a massive £5,000.

Jon Cawley, the firm’s head of claims, said: “Water damage from pipe bursts can result in a huge amount of damage to homes and ruin people’s precious belongings leading to huge heartache and misery.

“However, there are simple steps homeowners can take to protect their properties before a cold snap, which can dramatically reduce the chances of pipes freezing.

“If the worst happens, and you discover an escape of water in your property, it’s important you act quickly. First, turn off your water at the stop cock and drain the water system by opening all the taps. If escaping water is near any electrical equipment, turn off the electricity too. Pipes tend to burst at the end of a cold spell when frozen water trapped in pipes expands as the ice melts – so check your home for leaks and drips when temperatures rise above zero.

“If damage is serious, then call your insurer to seek advice about professional help with drying out the property and getting repairs underway.”

More information about coping with winter weather at home, at work and on the roads is available at at nfumutual.co.uk.

NFU Mutual’s five-step burst pipe guide:

* Locate your stop cock - this is normally below your kitchen sink, or wherever the water supply enters your home. Make sure you can access it and close it easily;

* Drain your system - if you’re planning on leaving your property unoccupied during the winter months, turn off the stop cock and drain the plumbing of both hot and cold water systems;

* Get pipes lagged - well-insulated loft spaces get very cold in winter and so it’s important you give your water pipes extra insulation to help prevent them freezing;

* Keep the heat flowing - keeping the thermostat at a normal setting overnight or while your home is unoccupied will help to keep the building temperature above freezing;

* Check plumbing - checking your pipes for signs of freezing or bursts such as leaking or dripping joints, will help you to react to a possible problem or nip it in the bud. Asking tenants to do the same will help to protect rental properties too.