Winter poses a risk to pipes which can freeze and sometimes burst, causing expensive and distressing water damage. If temperatures fall below zero degrees for any extended period, your pipes are in danger, but there are things that you can do to protect them. Here are some top tips for avoiding burst pipes this winter.
Insulate your pipes
Whether you have copper pipe or PVC, pipes are vulnerable to freezing and bursting or cracking during very cold weather. The best protection against this is insulation.
You should insulate outside pipes, those in colder areas inside, and the water tank. You could get a professional to do this, but tank jackets and pipe lagging are inexpensive options if you can fit them yourself.
Service and prevent
Fix any issues before they get worse, like replacing any worn-out pipes or fittings using products from copper pipe specialists such as https://watkinspowis.co.uk/products/copper-pipe-fittings-and-press-systems/. You should also sort out leaky taps, as these can cause drains to freeze.
Service boiler
Make sure your heating is working efficiently by having your boiler serviced. You should try to do this annually, preferably in warmer weather before your pipes are at risk from freezing. This will help prevent cold spots in the system that can be susceptible to freezing. Make sure to choose a reputable Gas Safe engineer for the service.
Warm your home
Keep your home warm, even if you’re away. Your thermostat should be set to a minimum of seven degrees at all times. You should also try to keep out chilly winds by using draught excluders and sealing edges.
Water trickles
Leave a small trickle of water running through your taps. This helps to prevent pipes from being damaged by the cold.
