As the nights draw in and the temperature plummets, it’s not just your heating bill you need to think about. Colder weather poses a serious threat to your home’s drainage system, with frozen and burst pipes causing thousands of pounds worth of damage every year.
But a little bit of preparation can go a long way. By taking some simple, proactive steps now, you can keep your drains flowing freely all winter long and avoid a very messy and expensive emergency.
Here’s a quick guide to winter-proofing your drains.
1. Insulate, Insulate, Insulate!
This is the most important step. Pipes in unheated areas are most at risk of freezing. This includes those in your loft, garage, basement, and even pipes under your kitchen sink that run along an external wall.
- Lagging is your best friend. You can buy foam pipe insulation, often called ‘lagging’, from any DIY store. It’s inexpensive and easy to fit. Simply wrap it around your exposed pipes, making sure to cover any bends, valves, and fittings to create a protective barrier against the cold.
- Don’t forget the outdoor taps. If you have a garden tap, make sure to disconnect any hoses and drain them before the first frost. Consider fitting an insulated cover over the tap itself to give it extra protection.
2. Keep Your Drains and Gutters Clear
Autumn brings with it a flood of fallen leaves and other debris. If this clogs your gutters and outdoor drains, it can lead to water pooling, which can then freeze and cause blockages or even damage your roof and foundation.
- A good clear-out. Before the heavy rain and snow arrive, take the time to clear out your gutters and drains. You can do this yourself with a sturdy ladder and gloves, or if you’re not comfortable working at height, hire a professional to do it for you.
- Be proactive in the kitchen. The festive season often means more cooking, and it’s tempting to pour leftover fats and grease down the sink. However, this solidifies in cold pipes and can cause a stubborn blockage. Instead, pour cooled grease into a jar and dispose of it in the bin.
3. Keep the Water Flowing
Pipes that are rarely used are more susceptible to freezing. This could be a drain in a spare bathroom, a utility room, or a downstairs loo.
- Give them a run. Every now and then, let the hot water run from these taps for a minute or two. A quick flush of the toilet in a less-used bathroom can also help prevent standing water from freezing in the pipes.
4. Locate and Test Your Stopcock
In the event of a burst pipe, the first thing you need to do is turn off the water supply to your home. If you don’t know where your stopcock is, you could be in for a lot of trouble.
- Know your stopcock. It’s usually found under the kitchen sink, near the gas meter, or in the downstairs toilet. Find it now and make sure you can turn it on and off easily. If it’s a bit stiff, a reputable plumber can help you free it up.
5. Keep Your Home Warm
Even if you go away for a short period over the winter, don’t be tempted to switch your heating off completely to save money.
- Set it to low. Keeping your heating on a low setting, around 10°C, is enough to keep the water in your pipes from freezing. If you have a smart thermostat, many have a ‘frost protection’ mode that will do this automatically. It may seem like a waste, but it’s a small price to pay to prevent a burst pipe.
By following these simple steps, you can help ensure a stress-free winter and keep your home safe from the damage that frozen and burst pipes can cause – Contact us for assistance in getting your home winter ready.
Photo by eberhard grossgasteiger: https://www.pexels.com/photo/house-covered-in-snow-1004682/