To help take the worry away and prevent needing to call out an emergency plumber, here is some simple guidance on how to protect your home this winter and reduce the amount of heat that’s lost – saving energy and money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Winter wise wins
Cover any external pipes<\/strong> – covering or \u2018lagging\u2019 your external pipework with foam tubes will help stop them freezing. Look online or ask at your local DIY store for the best buys (remember to check for external pipes on your appliances that uses water such as your washing machine, boiler, or dishwasher, and any outbuildings such as a garage, shed or loft.)
Protect any outside taps<\/strong> – keep your outside taps snug by covering them with an old towel or T-shirt secured with duct tape or an insulated tap cover. Remember to remove any hoses attached to them.\u200b
Find your stop tap<\/strong> – it\u2019s usually under your kitchen sink. Make sure you know where yours is (and that you can turn it) in case you need to turn your water off in a hurry.
Use the frost setting on your central heating<\/strong> – or, if you can, leave it on very low when you\u2019re out or away.
Remember to bleed your radiators<\/strong> \u2013 this means they\u2019ll work at their best and heat the room evenly.\u200b
Keep your water tank warm<\/strong> \u2013 you can buy a jacket from your local DIY store to fit over the top to help insulate (remember not to insulate the base).
Fix any dripping taps<\/strong> \u2013 this stops water build up from freezing.\u200b
Check your water meter<\/strong> – the pipes leading to and from it need to be insulated, and make sure that the cupboard is packed with insulation material with the door firmly shut.
Try and stop draughts<\/strong> – cold air from outside freezes the pipes inside, so cover any gaps in doors and windows
Let warm air flow<\/strong> \u2013 perhaps open your loft hatch to help keep pipes and tanks up there from freezing.
And don\u2019t worry if the worst happens and your pipes do freeze or burst, here is some step by step advice here to help you get it sorted. \u200b
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