When cold weather strikes, it is important to know what precautions to take to keep your home safe and warm. A burst pipe is a problem no one wants to experience and is one of the main threats to your home during the cold months. Here we offer some tips on how to prepare your pipes for winter.
How to protect pipes
There are many things you can do to protect your pipes from the elements. To prevent them from freezing, you should insulate any pipes in unheated areas such as lofts, garages and outbuildings. You can fit your water tank with an insulation jacket or wrap the sides and top of the water tank in a suitable insulation material. It is important not to use insulation underneath the tank, however, as this stops the heat from below getting to the tank and keeping it warm. There are more tips on protecting your pipes on this government website:
It is also important to insulate any toilet cisterns, pipes or water tanks in unheated outbuildings. An even better solution is to drain them over winter if they’re not being used. If the worst happens and external sewer pipes crack and leak, the best option may be sewer pipe lining as this is a no-dig repair process. If you’re looking for sewer pipe lining Solihull or elsewhere, specialists such as wilkinson-env.co.uk/sewer-repairs-drain-lining-concrete-cutting/drain-repairs/drain-repairs-solihull can provide additional information.
Leaving the house empty over winter
If your home is going to be left empty and unoccupied for a while during the colder months, it’s advisable to leave the heating on a low setting so it doesn’t get too cold. This should prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. You should also check that your central heating boiler has had a recent service.
Make sure you know where to find your stop tap so that you can turn the water supply off should a pipe freeze or burst. This is usually under the kitchen sink or in the garage or cellar. If you know you will be away for a while, it is a good idea to turn off the water supply and drain the system. You could give your neighbours a key and contact details in case of any emergency while you are away. Finally, if you do discover leaking taps or valves, it is vital that you have them repaired as soon as possible.
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