The record-breaking cold spell that marked the end of 2010 brought all kinds of disruption and problems, not least to the thousands of households that had to cope with burst water pipes.
When the water inside a pipe freezes, the ice expands and the pressure can cause a split in the pipe, or damage to the joints where pipes are connected to each other. Depending on where the frozen section is, you might not realise there is a problem until the ice melts and water gushes out.
If you suffered the mess and misery of a burst pipe last year you certainly won't want to repeat the experience. And if your home was unaffected, you shouldn't be complacent – you might not be so lucky the next time temperatures fall. You can't do anything about the weather, but you can take preventative action now by checking your water pipes for weak spots and replacing or protecting the most vulnerable parts.
If some of your water pipes are difficult to reach, or you're not sure if existing pipe lagging is providing enough insulation, consult a professional plumber who can do all the checks for you. He or she will also be able to test your whole water system for any unseen leaks, cure noisy water pipes, and advise you on what to do about your water and central heating if you plan to leave your home unoccupied for a short time.
When the water inside a pipe freezes, the ice expands and the pressure can cause a split in the pipe, or damage to the joints where pipes are connected to each other. Depending on where the frozen section is, you might not realise there is a problem until the ice melts and water gushes out.
If you suffered the mess and misery of a burst pipe last year you certainly won't want to repeat the experience. And if your home was unaffected, you shouldn't be complacent – you might not be so lucky the next time temperatures fall. You can't do anything about the weather, but you can take preventative action now by checking your water pipes for weak spots and replacing or protecting the most vulnerable parts.
- Visibly inspect all the water pipes inside and outside your home. Look for any signs of damage and worn or loose connections. If you can't repair or replace faulty parts yourself ask a qualified plumber to do it for you.
- Make sure the pipes most exposed to the cold are well insulated. In most homes these will be pipes in the loft and outside. Don't forget that if you have recently upgraded the insulation in your loft to keep the rest of your home warmer, the roof space will be colder than it used to be.
- Check outlet pipes as well as those bringing water into your home. If water freezes in waste and overflow pipes it can cause a flood as the water backs up.
- Locate your stop taps and make sure you – and other people in your home – can turn them on and off easily. There should be one inside your home, probably under or near the kitchen sink, and another one outside close to the property boundary. If a leak occurs anywhere in the home try to minimise the damage by turning off the mains water supply as quickly as possible.
If some of your water pipes are difficult to reach, or you're not sure if existing pipe lagging is providing enough insulation, consult a professional plumber who can do all the checks for you. He or she will also be able to test your whole water system for any unseen leaks, cure noisy water pipes, and advise you on what to do about your water and central heating if you plan to leave your home unoccupied for a short time.
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