Frozen pipes can be a significant risk in winter. You could wait until your home suffers significant and expensive damage when they burst, or you could take a few simple steps to ensure they are protected.
Why do you need to avoid frozen pipes?
When water cools, it starts to expand, meaning it increases in volume. In a contained space such as a pipe, this leads to it placing increased pressure on the surrounding structure. Too much pressure could lead to the pipe bursting, potentially damaging your walls, floor, ceiling, furniture and other surroundings. If the pipe is older, or has already been damaged by corrosion, it is at particular risk.
How can you protect and maintain your pipes?
There are a few measures that can help protect your pipes. Regular boiler servicing and maintenance, preferably before the cold weather starts, will improve your whole system’s efficiency. Pipe protectors such as those at //www.meterbox.co.uk/pipe-protectors, pipe lagging and tank jackets can insulate your pipes, particularly those with outside exposure.
Keep your windows closed and heating on to prevent cold air from circulating, opening cupboards and attics so the heat can reach any pipework. Always turn taps off properly. Drain the system and switch the water off completely if you are going away. Knowing where the stopcock is is also important if freezing does occur, so you can halt the water flow.
It is much safer and more efficient to take precautions to avoid your pipes becoming frozen than it is to just hope that they will not burst and damage your home.