They say it can all come to a 'Head'er tank

4 min read
  • Direct Line insurance receives on average 760 claims every year due to header tanks
  • Claims for damage caused by header tank can reach as high as £400,000
  • Failed header tanks make up on average 19 call outs a year for plumbers
  • Cold weather increases the risk of pipes and tanks in attics bursting
  • Over half of UK plumbers (54 per cent) recommend a header tank check every one to two years

Four in 10 UK houses have cold water and heating systems with header tanks situated in the loft, reveals new research from Direct Line Home Insurance1. Every year Direct Line2 receives on average 760 insurance claims relating to header tanks with the cost of repair averaging £20,000, though costs can run much higher.  

Most claims relate to header tanks leaking resulting in damage to the loft, ceilings and the first floor. In some rare cases if the issue isn’t resolved, then the damage can spread across the entire property leading to claims reaching over £400,000 where a full house refurbishment is required.

Plumbers reveal1 despite the potential for major water damage and flooding if they leak or fail, a quarter (25 per cent) of house holders are not fully aware of the risks associated with neglecting header tanks.

Call outs for tank related issues are frequent, with the average plumber being called to 19 jobs in the past year alone. Plumber’s recommended lifespan for a header tank is ten years before it should be replaced, but for many householders it will never have been changed. Maintenance is therefore vital to avoid issues that occur from natural wear and tear.

More commonly found in older homes and situated in the loft or attic space, header tanks play a pivotal role in maintaining a steady supply of cold and hot water to taps, appliances, and heating systems3. Regular maintenance of header tanks and cold-water tanks can help prevent issues occurring. Over half (54 per cent) of plumbers recommend a maintenance check every one to two years. 

Winter-proofing Your Home

With winter in full swing, homeowners should take additional precautions to protect their header tanks, pipes, and overall water systems from freezing temperatures:

  • Insulate pipes and water tanks: Make sure to insulate any exposed pipes and cold water tanks in the loft. Specialist insulating jackets for water tanks are readily available and can help reduce the risk of freezing.
  • Improve air circulation in cold spaces: On particularly cold days, consider opening the loft door to allow warmer air from the house to circulate. Similarly, leaving kitchen cupboards and bathroom doors open ensures warmer air reaches hidden pipes.
  • For empty properties: If you’re leaving your property empty to go on holiday, or to visit family, take extra measures to prepare:

o   Contact your insurer to understand how an empty property could affect your cover and get tips and advice.

o   Ask a trusted neighbour to check for burst pipes or water damage while you’re away.

o   Keep central heating set at a minimum of 15°C (59°F) to prevent freezing if outside temperatures drop.

Greater London (46 per cent), the South-West (46 per cent), Wales (45 per cent), and the South-East (41 per cent) were identified as the areas with the highest concentrations of systems using header tanks.


Dan Simson, Head of Direct Line Home Insurance said: “A faulty header tank can cause huge damage to a home. Most people don’t realise the risk they pose if left unchecked until it is too late and by then the damage can be extensive. Flooding, waterlogged ceilings, and mould are just some of the problems we see from claims relating to these tanks.

“To avoid these disasters, homeowners should look out for warning signs like unusual noises from the attic, discoloured water, or visible leaks. Scheduling regular inspections from experts can help to avoid major issues occurring. If safe to do so, householders should regularly check in the loft for signs of water leaks as early identification can save costly issues down the line.

“Freezing weather increases the risk of frozen pipes on cold water and header tanks. Householders therefore need to take precautions to ensure that their loft stays warm enough to prevent pipes and tanks from freezing.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1.      The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 250 UK Plumbers (Aged 16+). The data was collected between 02.10.2024-04.10.2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.

2.      Direct Line Claims Data – provided as an average over a three year period from 2022, 2023 and YTD 2024. 

3.      2023, Tanks Direct, https://www.tanks-direct.co.uk/water-tanks/cold-water-loft-tanks/c949#:~:text=Situated%20in%20your%20home's%20loft,%2C%20appliances%2C%20and%20heating%20systems

For further information please contact:

Direct Line Group:

Chelsey Wheeler

Deputy Head of News and Issues

Email: Chelsey.wheeler@directlinegroup.co.uk

PR team:

Fleishman Hillard

Email: directlinegroupmedia@fleishman.com

Phone: 07808 727280

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.