Top Tips to Stop Pipes Bursting in Cold Weather
January 15, 2024
During cold snaps when temperatures reach freezing point, your pipes are at risk of bursting, which could lead to some expensive repair work! No one wants major water leaks ruining their floors and furniture, or the hassle of claiming on insurance policies and paying hefty excess sums. But with a few of our top tips, you could prevent the dreaded burst-pipe scenario.
- Cover outside taps with a tap cover to prevent it from freezing. Easy and very effective!
- Keep an eye out for drops in boiler pressure or discoloration to your flooring as they could be signs of a leak.
- Check your boiler has been maintained in line with the manufacturer’s instructions (check their website if your user manual has gone for a walk).
Going Away?
If a water pipe bursts when you’re not at home, it could lead to hundreds of litres of water escaping into your home every hour! Minimise the risk of this happening by following these tips.
- Turn off the stopcock (these are often, but not always, located under the kitchen sink). If a pipe bursts, it will limit the amount of water that escapes.
- Open the loft hatch to let warm air through to the loft pipes or water tank.
- Consider leaving the heating on if you can afford it. Set the temperature very low to 10C to help prevent the pipes getting cold enough to freeze.
- Get a water sensor alarm – these will sound if a leak is detected and send a notification to your smartphone. They’re great whether you’re away on holiday or simply out at work.
- Ask a friend or family member to check on your home so you can sort out any leaks, sharpish.
With all these tips, your pipes should be better prepared for the cold weather and with any luck, you’ll avoid any costly repair work.
For more money-saving tips, have a read of our guide on ways to save energy around the home and keep those bills down.
