As winter approaches, the risk of frozen and bursting water pipes becomes a real concern for homeowners… or at least it should do.
Burst pipes can lead to costly and extensive water damage, but don’t worry – preventative steps can help you avoid this winter nightmare. With some easy DIY measures, you can protect your pipes and keep your home warm and safe this season.
Here are our top tips for winter-proofing your pipes:
1. Insulate Pipes and Tanks
Keeping your pipes and water tanks warm is the first line of defence. Insulate exposed pipes in cold areas like the attic, garage or unheated spaces. Pipe insulation foam and water tank jackets are affordable, easy to install and available at most DIY shops. By insulating, you reduce the chance of freezing and as a bonus, keep your heating bills down by retaining warmth in your home.
2. Seal Up Drafts
Cold air seeping through gaps around doors and windows can lower the temperature indoors, increasing the risk of frozen pipes. Check for drafts around windowsills, doorframes and other openings. Use draft excluders, heavy curtains or weather-stripping to block the cold out and keep your home cosy. This extra warmth will help maintain a stable temperature in areas where pipes might be vulnerable.
3. Know Where Your Stopcock Is
If a pipe does freeze or burst, turning off the water supply quickly is crucial to minimise damage. Find your stopcock – it’s typically under the kitchen sink or near the front of your property and make sure you know how to turn it off. If you’re planning to be away during winter, consider shutting off the water and draining your system to prevent frozen water from expanding and damaging pipes while you’re gone.
4. Let the Heat Flow in Uninsulated Areas
Pipes in colder areas like garages, attics or basements can benefit from a little extra warmth. Keep doors to these areas open to allow warm air to circulate, or use space heaters in extreme cases (while following safety precautions). This helps to prevent freezing in areas where your home’s central heating might not reach.
5. Fix Drips Quickly
A dripping tap might seem minor, but it can lead to big problems in freezing temperatures. If the water in the tap freezes, it could block and burst the pipe. (Avoid potential water damage repairsby fixing any leaky taps before the weather gets cold, making sure your pipes remain free from ice build-up.
6. Leave Your Heating on Low
Keeping your home’s central heating on at a low, steady temperature (around 14°C) can make a big difference. This may seem like an added expense, but maintaining a low level of heat prevents pipes from reaching freezing temperatures and can be more energy-efficient than heating up a freezing house from scratch. This simple step can be the difference between a warm winter and a burst pipe emergency!
7. Look Out for Signs of Frozen Pipes
During cold snaps, be vigilant for any signs of freezing in your pipes, such as reduced water flow or visible frost on exposed pipes. If you suspect a pipe might be frozen, act quickly.
Open the faucet to allow any water to escape, and gently warm the pipe with a hairdryer or space heater to thaw it gradually. Avoid using open flames, as these are a fire hazard.
If despite your best efforts, if you do have an escape of water, we’re here to help. Our experienced team can handle everything from repairing the pipe to assessing and addressing any damage to your home.
Call 01254 665 333 or email info@actioninsurancerepair.co.uk today for a personalised quote.