As winter approaches, it’s worth getting your plumbing ready for the cold. If you don’t, frozen pipes and boiler problems can lead to expensive damage. Here are our top winter plumbing tips to help you avoid problems and keep your home safe and comfortable all season.
1. Prevent frozen pipes
Frozen pipes can quickly cause serious damage, because water expands as it freezes and can split a pipe. Here’s how to prevent it:
- Insulate your pipes. Wrap pipes in unheated spaces, like lofts, garages and cellars, in foam lagging or pipe wrap. Insulation helps stop the water inside from freezing, even when temperatures drop.
- Keep the water moving. On very cold nights, leaving a cold tap running at a slow drip can help stop pipes freezing.
- Seal gaps and cracks. Cold air can get in through small gaps around pipes, especially where they pass through walls or floors. Seal them with sealant or expanding foam to keep the cold out.
2. Look after your boiler in cold weather
Your boiler keeps your home warm and your hot water running. Making sure it’s in good shape before winter can prevent costly problems.
- Book a boiler service. Have your boiler checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer before the cold sets in, to spot worn parts, leaks and pressure problems.
- Bleed your radiators. Trapped air makes radiators heat unevenly and leaves cold spots. Bleeding them lets the air out so your system works more efficiently.
- Keep an eye on the pressure. Low pressure can mean poor heating, while high pressure can strain your boiler. Check the gauge regularly and follow your boiler’s manual for the right level.
3. Avoid common winter plumbing problems
Winter often brings a few familiar problems that can get worse quickly if they’re not dealt with:
- Blocked sinks. Grease and food scraps build up in waste pipes over time. Don’t pour grease down the sink, and use a sink strainer to catch food.
- Hot water problems. In winter your hot water system has to work harder, because the incoming water is colder. If your hot water is slow, lukewarm or running out, get your boiler or hot water cylinder checked.
- Outside taps. Disconnect garden hoses and drain your outside tap so trapped water can’t freeze and cause damage. An insulated tap cover adds extra protection.
Ready for winter
From boiler servicing to repairs, we’re here to help keep your plumbing and heating in good condition this winter. Don’t wait for something to go wrong: get prepared and stay comfortable all season.
