As the days get longer and the evenings and mornings are lighter, it may feel as though spring is on the way. However, it is not unusual for a February/March frost to catch us unawares. If freezing temperatures are predicted in your area, it is a good idea to do what you can to prevent your pipes from freezing, especially if you are planning on going away during the half-term.
Why do pipes burst?
When water freezes it expands. If you have ever put a bottle of drink in the freezer to chill and forgotten about it, you will know that the pressure build up of frozen water can be enough to pop most lids. The same can happen to your pipes, too. Preventing frozen pipes is essential to avoid potential damage and costly insurance claims. Simple precautions, such as insulating pipes, ensuring adequate heating, and sealing any openings where cold air can enter, can significantly reduce the risk of pipes freezing and bursting. Regular inspection and maintenance to address corrosion or weaknesses in pipes will further minimise the likelihood of failure. Investing time and effort in these preventative measures can ultimately save money and prevent inconvenience.
To reduce the chance of your pipes freezing, you can do the following:
Insulate: Use affordable pipe lagging and tank jackets from DIY shops or your local plumber to insulate your pipes and water tanks effectively. Cover all exterior pipework, including bends, valves, and fittings, as well as outdoor taps. Additionally, insulate pipes in colder areas within your home, such as unoccupied loft spaces, garages, and basements.
Get your boiler serviced: Ensure your heating system is functioning properly by making sure that you schedule your annual boiler service. You ideally want to do this in winter, but it is never too late; check out our list of reliable boiler servicing specialists and see who is available.
Get the warm air flowing: During cold spells, particularly if you are going away and keeping your heating on low, open the hatch to unheated loft spaces to allow warm air from lower levels to circulate, preventing freezing. If your pipes or tanks are located inside cupboards, keep these doors open to facilitate the circulation of warmer air from within your home.
Keep the heating on low: Set your thermostat to a minimum of 7°C, even when you're away, to prevent pipe freezing. Consider utilizing a thermostat equipped with Frost Protection functionality, automatically activating heating if temperatures dip below 7°C.
Keep the warm air in – and the cool air out: Seal windows tightly, address draughty areas, and use draught excluders on doors to prevent cold air infiltration, thus helping maintain suitable indoor temperatures and protecting pipes from freezing.
By implementing these steps you can significantly reduce the likelihood of frozen pipes and mitigate potential winter-related damage and inconvenience.
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