How to Prevent Pipes from Freezing - and Bursting
March 9, 2009
According to an article from aboutproperty.co.uk, burst water pipes have accounted for £15 million worth of home insurance claims across the UK. Caused by a plummet in temperatures the likes of which haven’t been felt for decades, freezing pipes have meant a 50 per cent increase in claims in January so far. So what are the best thawing and, more importantly, prevention measures for frozen pipes?
Firstly, if it’s too late for prevention and your pipes are already frozen, there are some simple but effective thawing methods one should always bear in mind. If you can, first turn on the nearest tap and then wrap the pipe securely in a towel. Then, pour boiling water over the towel until water begins to run from the tap. Alternatively, and if it is safe to do so, you can place a lamp close or a small heater (again, after turning on the tap beforehand) next to the pipe.
When it comes to prevention however, the first thing to be aware of is where your stopcock is, amazingly, one in three UK homeowners doesn’t have an idea of where theirs is. The next step is to identify the areas of your pipe system that will be unheated during the winter: Be aware of where pipes are outside, exterior amenities, in basements and cellars, or the ever-common area of loft spaces above both the house and outbuildings.
Next it is wise to cover these pipe areas with some kind of lagging, sleeve, or insulation available from your local building supply shop; used in conjunction with a suitable tape to keep the covering firmly in place. Interior pipes can freeze also, remember to keep garage and other doors closed when not in use. Additionally, in kitchens it is sometimes wise to open cupboards that contain pipe-work in order for warmer air to circulate around them.
If you are planning on leaving the house unoccupied for a significant amount of time during the winter, it is a good idea to leave the thermostat on at a low temperature (55 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended) to lessen the chance of freezing. However, even if you are at home it is also advised that you keep your thermostat at a consistently medium temperature (instead of turning it high, then turning it off altogether) for the same reason.
Of course, if the above measures don’t work it may well be worth considering relocating pipes via the hiring of a professional plumber.
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Make sure your property is covered with home insurance from the Post Office.
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