As cold weather has swept across London, a frozen pipe is a real concern for many homeowners. The drop in temperatures can cause water inside pipes to freeze, leading to cracks and burst pipes, which result in costly damage and inconvenient repairs.
Therefore, it’s essential to take precautions to keep the heat on even when you’re away. As experts at Citywide Plumbers, we’ve compiled this helpful winter plumbing checklist to help you protect your pipes and avoid costly repairs.
If you’re unsure where to start or need help winterising your plumbing, the experts at Citywide Plumbers are here to help. Feel free to contact our friendly, qualified team on 020 3892 8545 or info@citywideplumbers.co.uk.
Stay safe, stay warm, and trust Citywide Plumbers for all your winter plumbing needs!
Why Frozen Pipes Are A Serious Concern?
Frozen pipes occur when water inside them freezes, causing them to expand and potentially burst. This can cause significant water damage, costly repairs, and, in extreme cases, a complete overhaul of the affected plumbing systems.
The main areas at risk are those exposed to the cold—pipes in unheated areas like attics, basements, garages, and even exterior walls. Once the pipes burst, you could face thousands of pounds in water damage repairs.
Thus, you have to protect your pipe from freezing. Below is the winter plumbing checklist you can follow.
Winter Plumbing Checklist To Avoid Frozen Pipes
1. Insulate Your Pipes
Insulating pipes is one of the most effective ways to prevent freezing pipes. Insulating your pipes creates a barrier that helps maintain the system’s warmth. Foam pipe insulation, fibreglass sleeves, or heat tape can keep the cold air away from your pipes.
- Focus on exposed pipes: The most vulnerable Pipes are in basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and under sinks.
- Outdoor Taps: Insulate outdoor taps and disconnect hoses. Water left in the hose can freeze, causing the tap to crack.
2. Seal Cracks And Gaps
Cold air can seep into your home through gaps in your walls, windows, or doors, leading to frozen pipes. You can prevent this by sealing any cracks or gaps around your home. Pay particular attention to areas where pipes enter and exit your house, such as:
- Around windows and doors
- Where pipes enter your walls or floors
- Gaps in attics and crawl spaces
3. Let Taps Drip
Letting your taps drip slowly is a good idea if temperatures are expected to plummet. Running water is less likely to freeze than standing water, so leaving your taps on just a bit will keep things flowing and reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
- Let hot and cold water drip from taps, especially those along exterior walls.
- For outdoor taps, shut off the water supply and drain the pipes to prevent them from freezing.
4. Maintain Heat In Your Home
A common winter mistake is turning the heat down or off when leaving for vacation or a weekend getaway. While this may seem like an energy-saving tip, it increases the risk of frozen pipes.
- Keep your thermostat set to at least 12°C (55°F), even when you’re away.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow heat from the rest of the home to reach your pipes.
5. Install Pipe Heating Cables
For homes in areas that experience freezing temperatures, pipe heating cables can be a great investment. These cables attach directly to the pipes and provide heat to prevent them from freezing. This is particularly useful for pipes in unheated areas or hard-to-reach places.
6. Monitor Water Pressure And Flow
If you suspect your pipes are freezing, one of the first signs to look out for is a drop in water pressure or flow. Frozen pipes tend to restrict water flow, leading to noticeable changes in pressure.
- If you notice weak water flow, especially in isolated parts of the home, it could signify that a pipe is starting to freeze.
- In the event of a frozen pipe, never attempt to thaw it with an open flame. Use a hairdryer or heat pad to thaw the pipe safely.
7. Know The Signs Of Frozen Pipes
Understanding the warning signs of frozen pipes can help you take action before a disaster strikes. Common indicators include:
- Frost or condensation on exposed pipes
- Unusually cold areas near pipes
- Water discolouration or strange sounds when running water
8. Schedule Regular Plumbing Maintenance From Professionals
Regular plumbing maintenance is key to preventing issues before they arise. Professional plumbers offer plumbing check-ups to assess the condition of your pipes, heating systems, and water fixtures. Their team of experts will identify any weaknesses and address them before they lead to problems.
Contact Citywide Plumbers for support
Winterise Your Home With Citywide Plumbers
So, take time to prevent your pipes from freezing with our winter plumbing checklist. This will save you money on expensive repairs and water damage, and you will thank us later.
Citywide Plumbers has over 15 years of experience providing high-quality plumbing, heating, and gas services across London. Citywide Plumbers is the ideal choice for all your plumbing needs. Here’s why we stand out:
1. Fully Qualified And Experienced Engineers
- Our team comprises Gas Safe registered engineers and NICEIC-certified electricians with years of hands-on experience.
- We deeply understand plumbing issues during the winter and can provide expert advice on protecting your home from winter-related plumbing issues.
2. Comprehensive Service Offering
- We offer comprehensive services for all your plumbing needs, including maintenance and repairs, water pressure issues, gas leak detection, and emergency plumbing.
- We also specialise in gas safety certificates and regular heating system maintenance, ensuring your home stays warm and safe during winter.
3. Responsive And Reliable
- We understand the importance of fast response times, especially when facing plumbing emergencies. That’s why we offer a one-hour response guarantee for all plumbing inquiries.
- We prioritise your safety and satisfaction, ensuring that all work is carried out to the highest standards and complies with industry regulations.
You can check our reviews—all with a 5-star rating—reflecting our commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction.
4. Trustworthy Professionals
- Our engineers are background-checked and trained to provide respectful and professional service. We treat your property carefully and ensure that we leave your space clean and tidy after each job.
For a professional plumbing inspection or to schedule a winter plumbing check-up, call us today on 020 3892 8545 or info@citywideplumbers.co.uk. Let us help you ensure that your plumbing is in top shape!