Winter-Proof Your Home

As temperatures dip and we progress through the winter it is important to protect your pipes from bursting, which can cause serious damage to your home.  When water inside you pipes freeze in cold conditions, it causes ice to form and this puts increased pressure on your water pipes, in some cases causing them to burst, resulting significant water damage to your home.

It is important to check your pipes during cold weather, particularly if you have been away from your home for a period of time.  There are some steps you can take to preventing burst pipes within the home:

• Insulate pipes to ensure they are protected from low temperatures and the water inside is less likely to freeze..
• In case of an emergency make sure you know where your stop tap is, usually this is found under your kitchen sink.
• Leaving your heating on a low setting at regular intervals can help prevent your taps from freezing, especially if you are away from your home for periods of time.
• Using a timer on your heating system can make sure you keep your home warm during winter, helping reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
• Ask a trusted family member or friend check on your home while you are away and put on the heating at set periods to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
• If you plan to be away from home for a long period of time, drain your water system and turn off water supply.
• Make sure your boiler is regularly serviced