4 key takeaways
1. Pipes in rooms with little or no heating are particularly vulnerable to freezing.
2.Drain outdoor pipes and water supplies, and keep your home at a minimum temperature while you are away.
3.Check your roof, clear your gutters and make sure your drains are free of blockages before heavy rain or severe weather.
4. If a leak occurs, turn off the water supply as soon as possible, secure the affected area without putting yourself at risk, and report the incident to your insurer.
Winter can put your home to the test. Frozen pipes, leaks, water ingress through the roof, and overflowing or rising water after heavy rain can all cause serious damage in a short time. The good news? Many incidents can be prevented, or at least their impact reduced, by carrying out a few checks before the first cold spell. Here are 10 steps to help prepare your home for winter 2026.
Why is water damage more common in winter?
Several factors make water damage more likely in winter. When temperatures fall below zero, water inside pipes freezes. As it turns to ice, it takes up more space than it does as a liquid and puts considerable pressure on pipe walls and joints. This pressure can weaken the system, cause cracks or, in more severe cases, lead to a burst pipe.
Pipes and plumbing in poorly heated or uninsulated areas, such as cellars, garages, lofts, utility rooms and outbuildings, or near external walls, are particularly vulnerable. Extra care is also advisable when a property is left unoccupied for several days, particularly if the heating is turned down or switched off.
Winter weather is another risk to prepare for. During periods of heavy rain, blocked gutters, a damaged roof, worn seals or inadequate drainage can prevent water from flowing away properly. It may then enter the home or cause overflows.
What are the signs of water damage?
A leak or water ingress is not always immediately visible. Watch out for the following signs:
- Damp patches or water stains appear on walls or ceilings and gradually spread.
- Paint begins to blister or flake, or wallpaper starts to peel away.
- Mould develops or a musty smell persists, even when there are no visible traces of water.
- Your water consumption increases without any change in your habits.
- The water meter continues to run even though all taps are turned off and no appliances are using water.
If you are unsure, have a professional investigate the cause.
10 steps to help prevent water damage
A few checks before the cold weather arrives can help reduce the risk of leaks, frozen pipes and water ingress.
1. Locate your main stopcock
If a major leak occurs, turning off the water supply quickly helps limit the extent of the damage. Locate your home’s main stopcock and make sure it remains accessible.
Before winter, also check that it works properly so you can act without delay if necessary.
2. Insulate pipes exposed to the cold
Some pipes are more vulnerable to freezing, particularly those running through a cellar, garage, loft, outbuilding or garden shed. They may also be at risk when located near an external wall, window, door or cellar window.
To reduce the risk, check that these pipes are protected against the cold. You can wrap them in insulating sleeves to reduce temperature fluctuations and help prevent freezing.
3. Drain outdoor plumbing
Before the first frosts, prepare garden taps, garden hoses, outdoor water supplies and water systems in outbuildings. Turn off their water supply, then open the taps to let any remaining water drain away. Even an unused pipe can contain enough water to freeze, crack and cause a leak when temperatures rise again.
4. Maintain an adequate temperature
When you are away, avoid switching the heating off completely. Maintaining a minimum temperature helps protect pipes and equipment connected to the water supply. Frost protection mode may be a suitable option, provided it maintains an adequate temperature in the most exposed rooms.
Pay particular attention to out-of-the-way or poorly ventilated areas and rooms that are naturally colder than the rest of the home.
5. Limit cold draughts
A window left ajar (slightly open), a damaged seal or a cellar window that is not properly closed can expose pipes to a significant drop in temperature.
Before winter, check the condition of windows, doors and seals in vulnerable rooms. Close openings in cellars and garages when they are not needed for ventilation, and protect areas where cold air could reach water pipes and fittings.
6. Maintain your gutters and roof
Fallen leaves, moss and other debris can block gutters and prevent rainwater from draining away properly. Water may overflow, seep beneath the roof covering or run down external walls.
Clean gutters and downpipes before winter. Check the condition of the roof covering, tiles, flashing, seals and drains. Any sign of damp on a wall or ceiling should be investigated promptly.
7. Check appliances connected to the water supply
Washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, boilers and certain types of fridges connected to the water supply should be checked regularly. Inspect flexible hoses, pipes, connections and seals for signs of wear, cracks or damp. A slow leak can go unnoticed for several days and gradually damage floors, partition walls or furniture.
8. Protect your home before going away
Before a business trip, winter holiday or an absence of several days, take the time to check your water and heating systems.
Depending on how long you will be away and the layout of your home, you can turn off the water supply, drain outdoor pipes and set the heating to frost protection mode. If possible, ask a relative, friend, neighbour or property manager to check the property regularly so that a leak or heating failure can be spotted quickly.
9. Prepare for heavy rain and flooding
If heavy rain is forecasted, check drains, grates, gullies and cellar entrances. Remove leaves and debris that could slow down or block the flow of water.
In basements and garages, store important documents, electrical appliances and valuables above floor level. Consulting flood updates and weather warnings can also help you anticipate potential risks in Luxembourg.
10. Review your home insurance policy
Despite every precaution, some incidents remain unpredictable. Before winter, review your home insurance policy to identify the cover provided, any applicable excesses or exclusions, and any preventive measures you are required to take.
If water damage occurs, keep any evidence that may be useful when making a claim: photographs, videos, invoices, quotes, correspondence with professionals and supporting documents for damaged belongings. These records make it easier to assess the damage and process your claim.
Good to know: what should you do if a pipe freezes or a leak occurs?
Never use a naked flame to thaw a frozen pipe. If a leak occurs, turn off the water supply and move electrical appliances away from the affected area, but only if you can do so safely. Limit the spread of water and contact your insurer promptly. Take photographs of the damage before any repairs are carried out.
Foyer home insurance: protecting your home every day
Even with regular maintenance and preventive measures, water damage can still occur. Suitable home insurance helps protect your home and belongings against the financial consequences of an incident.
Foyer home insurance includes “Water damage and frozen installation” cover for water leaks, water ingress through the roof, freezing of pipes and water systems inside the home, and heating oil leaks. The policy also includes essential cover for fire, storms, hail and glass breakage.
Depending on your circumstances, you can also extend your protection with additional cover, for example for natural disasters, theft, technological items or personal liability. However, the applicable cover, excesses, exclusions and compensation arrangements depend on the level of cover and optional extras you choose.
Before winter, take the time to review your policy or arrange an insurance review with a Foyer agent to check that your insurance still reflects the characteristics of your home, the value of your belongings and your needs.
Preparing for winter can help protect your home more effectively against leaks, frozen pipes, water ingress and heavy rain. A few simple steps, such as checking water systems, maintaining the roof and drainage outlets, keeping the home at an appropriate temperature and understanding your home insurance cover, can help limit the impact of water damage.
Frequently asked questions about water damage in winter
How can you prevent pipes from freezing?
Insulate exposed pipes, drain outdoor plumbing, prevent cold draughts and maintain a minimum temperature in your home. If you are away during freezing weather, do not switch the heating off completely.
Should you turn off the water before going on a winter holiday?
This depends on how long you will be away, the layout of your home and your water systems. Turning off the water supply can reduce the risk of leaks, but you still need to maintain an adequate temperature to protect pipes and equipment vulnerable to freezing.
What should you do if a pipe bursts?
Turn off the water supply immediately, secure the affected area and avoid touching any electrical wiring or fittings that have become wet. Take photographs, limit the damage where possible and contact your insurer promptly.
Does water ingress through the roof count as water damage?
Yes, water entering through the roof, walls, a window or a gutter can cause damage inside the home. However, whether it is covered depends on the cause of the incident, the maintenance of the property and the cover provided by your home insurance policy.
