The construction sector has not been immune from the escalating number and costs of EOW incidents, with these often having a significant impact in terms of project disruption, delays and additional costs. Aside from freezing weather conditions, other risk factors include the competency of the design and installation (including temporary systems, sprinklers and heating systems), the methods of construction, quality of materials used, and suitable and sufficient testing and commissioning of the installations.

Increasingly complex projects which use Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) have also been cited as a factor, with push fittings and flexible pipes particularly susceptible to leaks if not installed competently. 

Recently, the Construction Insurance Risk Engineers Group (CIREG) updated their guidance relating to EOW on construction sites, following ‘a sharp rise in the frequency and severity of UK insurance claims caused by EOW'.⁴

Robust risk management is key to reducing the likelihood of EOW. This starts in the design phase by ensuring any plumbing system is installed (and subsequently inspected and maintained) by a skilled, competent person, preferably affiliated to an industry body such as the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE). 

It’s recommended for anyone working in the premises not only to be familiar with the location of the stopcock, but also to regularly practise locating and accessing it, in case of needing to perform an emergency shut-off. To reduce the chance of pipes freezing, it's important to review pipe insulation particularly where a premises may be left vacant for some time and systems left dormant.

Water management devices, such as leak detection and flow switches, can be useful; the former alerts about a potential water leak before it develops into a serious issue while the latter monitors water flow rate and pressure and can usually shut off the valve if needed.