Avoiding frozen pipes in your home this winter.
Pipes are most likely to burst when we have a really cold spell and your home is empty. If you are planning on going away set your heating at a minimum 12C-15C, if your expecting freezing conditions in your area.
Ensure all your pipes in the loft are insulated as exposed pipes are the most likely to freeze and make sure you lag your cold water tank.
Its a good idea to leave the doors open on your kitchen cupboards. This allows the warmer air from your home to circulate and reach any pipes under sinks.
You can also leave your loft hatch door open which allows warmer air to reach the loft space can help prevent your cold water tank from freezing up. If you have an outside tap make sure the water supply is turned off. Unless you have a combi boiler that requires constant mains pressure it is worth turning off the mains water at the stopcock.
If you have been away and do return to frozen pipes, use a very minimum heat to thaw them, towels soaked in warm water or a hair dryer on a low setting are good for this.
Start from the end nearest to the tap, which should be open. Never ever use a naked flame to thaw pipes as this can cause serious damage.
These precautions are well worth taking and could save you a very costly plumbing bill if followed correctly.