Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing!
During the cold winter months, frozen pipes can be a serious problem. Not only do they obstruct water supply but they also increase the chances of a pipe bursting too. That's why it's absolutely essential to do everything you can to help prevent your pipes from freezing.
We'll give you some helpful hints and tips so that you can keep your pipes from freezing this winter!
Keep your home nicely heated
It sounds obvious, but keeping the heat turned on in your home is a good way of preventing your pipes from freezing. The cost of keeping the heat on while you are not in the property would be massively outweighed by the costs of major plumbing work in the case of a burst or frozen pipe!
Let Any Taps Drip Occasionally
Allowing the faucets and taps in your home to drip is a very effective and proven way of preventing your pipes from freezing or bursting. The simple dripping action will relieve any pressure that has built up inside the drainage or pipework system after a pipe freezes.
Seal open holes and cracks
It's very important to seal any open cracks or holes in your pipework or drainage system. If you leave these unattended, cold outside air gets in through open holes and cracks and then causes the water in the pipe to freeze. Not only will sealing and caulking these keep the cold air out, it will also help to keep the warm air in!
Try using heating tape
If you've got exposed and accessible pipes, electrical heating tape is a great way of keeping them from freezing. Able to be applied to the pipe directly, the heating tape will allow you to maintain the pipe's temperature and therefore reduce the risk of it freezing or bursting.
Keep inner doors open where possible
In the event that you have some pipes in your home that are located inside a cabinet, it's important to keep the cabinet's doors open where possible. Doing so will allow the heat in your home to keep the pipes from freezing or bursting.
Consider adding more insulation
There are many homes across the UK that do not have adequate insulation surrounding their pipes. If this is the case in your property, it might well be worth adding extra insulation. For instance, consider adding foam rubber sleeves or fibreglass to your pipework to reduce the chances of your pipe freezing this winter.
Follow these simple and helpful tips and you should stand a great chance of preventing your pipes from freezing this winter! However, if they do freeze or suffer a leak or burst, speak to the drainage repair experts here at JLH Drains. We work throughout Kent and South East London.