News
Protection in Winter
Winter warming tips
General advice
- Dripping taps and faulty ball valves are signs of trouble.
- Fit new washers now to avoid problems later.
- Dripping water can freeze.
- The best way to avoid frozen or burst pipes is to protect them.
- Protection will delay freezing in very cold conditions.
- There is no substitute for keeping on some heating.
- Lag the storage cistern in the loft and any pipes likely to freeze.
- Avoid draughts. Close windows near pipes and cisterns.
- Keep your home warm, especially where there are pipes.
- If your home is left empty during the winter, leave the central heating on a low thermostat setting, timed to come on for an hour or two a day at the coldest time.
- The safest protection if you are away from home for any length of time is to drain down all systems.
How to thaw a frozen pipe
- Turn off your water supply at the internal stop valve (normally under the kitchen sink).
- Check pipe has not been damaged.
If pipe is not damaged
- Gently heat the frozen section by applying hot water bottles or wrapping with heated cloths.
Alternatively
- Carefully use an electric hair dryer.
- Warning: Extreme care must be exercised when using electrical appliances near water.
How not to thaw a frozen pipe
- Do not apply excessive heat - plastic pipes melt.
- Do not apply direct flame - this could cause a fire.
- Do not light the boiler to thaw the central heating or hot water systems.
What to do if you have a burst pipe
- Turn off your water supply.
- Open all the cold taps to drain the system.
- Collect the water in the bath for personal use.
- Do not open the hot taps as the hot water cylinder could collapse.
- Wrap material round the pipe and bind it with tape.
- Call AquaCare on 01202 591100 or another qualified and experienced plumber.
