Householders face a huge increase in repair bills for burst pipes, broken boilers and other emergencies if recent trends continue this winter, according to a report.

There could be a 20% rise in breakdowns in the coming months, especially if predictions of another hard winter come true, a study by home repair service HomeServe suggested.

One in 10 problems will relate to heating and hot water, as well as blocked drains and loss of power, said the report.

HomeServe said the usual increase in emergencies at this time of year has been delayed because of the recent mild spell of weather.

Steve Herbert, operations director of HomeServe, said: “Britons are obsessed with the weather, yet despite the fact that the last three winters have been bitter, many people still fail to prepare adequately.

“We shouldn’t let the recent Indian summer lead us to underestimate the toll that bad weather can take on our homes. Simple steps like checking your boiler and insulating pipes, can minimise the risk of emergencies and help you, should the worst happen.”