Insulate water tanks and pipes Fix external dripping taps
All exposed pipes, including attic pipes should be We recommend you always fix any dripping taps but pay
adequately insulated. Insulate or wrap a towel around particular attention to external dripping taps in winter as
outside taps to help prevent them from freezing over. water from them can freeze on the ground and can cause
people to slip and injure themselves.
Service your boiler
Your boiler needs to be serviced regularly by an Minimise all draughts
accredited plumber to run efficiently and to keep your Ensure any gaps under doors and around windows are
home or business warm. If not, leaks could freeze and covered or sealed as cold air coming from outside can
cause a breakdown and costly repairs. cause pipes to freeze inside your home.
Check your inside stop valve Keep your home warm
Check to ensure it can be opened and closed easily in the Leave heating on for longer periods at lower settings,
event of a leak. If you’re going away, you may want to con- even while away. Doing this allows warm air to circulate,
sider turning off your stop valve and draining the system and will help prevent pipes and tanks from freezing in the
so there is no water in the pipes to freeze. cold weather.
Once the temperature drops
When the temperature is below zero, it’s particularly important to take extra steps to prevent water in your pipes
freezing. If you have no water or low water pressure in the winter, your pipes may already be frozen.
Circulate warm air to unheated areas
Opening doors to unheated areas of your home
occasionally to allow warm air to circulate can prevent
pipes and tanks from freezing in the cold weather.
Do not run your taps to prevent freezing pipe
This is especially important as this can cause frozen drains
and puts undue pressure on supplies across the network.
Arrange a supply of fresh drinking water
It’s a good idea to have a separate supply of fresh
drinking water available on your premises in case a water
pipe freezes or bursts in cold temperatures.
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