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How do I avoid burst pipes in cold weather?

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With winter now approaching, the issue of freezing pipes comes to the fore for both commercial and residential property owners.  This is especially the case if your property is likely to be left empty in times of freezing cold weather.   

The application of a few simple yet key measures however, that are both straightforward and cost effective, can go a long way to preventing the headache of dealing with burst pipes and subsequent escapes of water.  Prevention should be the first line of defence against any risk, so key precautions that we recommend include:    
  • Fix dripping taps and replace faulty washers – a slow trickle of water can freeze and completely block a pipe.

  • If the property will be empty for a long period, such as at Christmas and New Year, ensure the heating is left on constantly at about 15 °C with windows and doors closed.

  • Ensure all pipes and tanks are properly and professionally lagged. Loft pipes should be underneath loft insulation so heat from below will stop them freezing. Tanks need at least 25mm of lagging on top and around the sides - not underneath.
     
  • Stop draughts – a cold draught may be enough to freeze a pipe.
     
  • Have handy contact details for appropriate tradesmen (for example, plumbers, gas fitters, and electricians) to deal with emergencies as a priority. 
     
  • Show all the family where to find the stopcocks and fuse box in case of an emergency. Make sure stopcocks and valves move freely.   

In the event of a pipe becoming frozen, a key indicator will be a reduced water supply out of the cold water taps.  This is when a pipe is most likely to burst.  It is therefore important that immediate action be taken to minimise the potential for damage when thawed water flows out of the split pipes, by turning the water supply off at the mains stopcock.