As we start going into much colder months with plummeting temperatures and frosty periods, if you’ve not got a plan in place, your pipes and drains can quickly turn into a problem. Here’s how to safeguard against harsher winter months.
Protect your pipes and drains easily…
When water freezes, it expands, and whatever is holding it expands too. Water in your pipes and drains are no exception and homeowners must make sure they take care of outdoor taps, hoses, water sprinklers and pipes that exist outside of heated areas.
Preparing your pipes for colder months isn’t hard to do, there are several easy steps you can take.
Insulate
Insulation is the easiest way to guard against frost damage, and it’s not as expensive as you may think. Pipes, drains, cisterns and any other water containers should be drained if they’re not going to be used during winter. Those that are going to be used should be insulated. This will save you from any headaches or additional costs.
Circular insulation can be quickly wrapped around any pipes and it’s easy to get from any DIY shop.
Drain Outdoor Pipes
If you have hosepipes outside, drain these and store them away in a warmer area of your house. If you have any external taps, close the indoor valves but leave the outdoor ones open as this will let the water expand safely.
Repair Leaks
Now is the best time to check all of your hoses for leaks and make sure they’re repaired before storing them away. This is also the perfect time to inspect any outdoor taps and fixtures for damage, that may cause future leaks. These should be repaired before winter ideally!
Heating
One of the best ways to prevent freezing within your home is to keep your heating on low constantly throughout winter. This shouldn’t raise your heating bills, because it’s usually the constant stop-start of the heating system that uses more energy.
Clear Your Drains
Remove leaves, mud and anything else that could become a problem during the winter months. This will help water flow and prevent any potential freezing of your drains.
Install Drain Protection
If leaves are still falling and you want to ensure nothing makes its way into your drain, you might want to think about buying a drain protector made from non-freeze plastic. This will help keep your home safeguarded against frozen water damage.
If you’d like to speak to someone, to gain some insight or get some advice on how to look after your home throughout winter, please feel free to contact us. We’re a highly rated and recommend plumbing company in Bolton.