Six hacks to stop frozen pipes costing you thousands this Christmas
An expert has issued advice to stop frozen pipes costing you thousands of pounds this Christmas period.
Cold weather puts pipes at risk, you could live in your home for years and never have a problem. But you can’t always predict a problem arising and it's better to be prepared for one than not. Frozen pipes are most common in colder areas of the home like the loft, garage or under sinks.
Plumbing experts at Anchor Pumps have shared six hacks that can save you over £1,000 from frozen pipe damage, including one hack costing as little as £1.
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Add pipe insulation for as little as £1
Pipe insulation (or pipe lagging) is an easy and cost-effective way to protect your pipes from the cold. You can buy a metre of foam insulation for less than £1 and it’s easy to fit onto the pipes yourself by making a cut along the foam tube and securing it with duct tape.
Apply £3 heating tape
Heating tape is ideal for short sections of pipe that are exposed to cold air. Basic heating tape costs around £3 or more, you can also get automatic heating tape that turns on when it detects cold. Manual tape must be plugged in and turned off when not needed, this can be dangerous though so you must use it correctly.
Keep the central heating on
Central heating keeps the pipes warm and ensures a constant flow of water through the water system. The warm water can help prevent frozen or burst pipes.
Allow the faucet to drip
By leaving the faucet open even slightly, you can relieve pressure in the pipe which causes it to burst if the pipe freezes. This can prevent pressure from building and the pipe from bursting.
Seal up any cracks and holes
Prevent cold air from reaching exposed pipes by sealing up cracks and holes around the pipework. You should seal holes both on the inside and outside of your property. If available, use insulation to lock the heat inside.
Keep cabinet doors open that have pipework inside
Cabinets under sinks can become cold easily as they are cool, dark spaces. If you suspect the pipework inside is at risk of freezing, keep the cabinet doors open to allow the heat to get inside. Do this by turning your heating on or placing a portable heater outside the cabinet to warm up the area.
Gary Gardner, eCommerce Manager at Anchor Pumps said “In the UK, pipes are generally at risk when temperatures drop below freezing (0°C) for several hours. Once frozen, it’s best to act fast as frozen pipes can burst if it’s not addressed quickly. If your pipes are frozen you should turn off the water which is crucial to prevent further damage.”
If you have discovered frozen pipes in your home, there are some measures you can take before calling for professional help. If the pipes have not yet burst, you need to act quickly.
Here's what to do:
Turn off the water supply at the stopcock. This stops more water from entering the frozen pipe and potentially causing a burst.
Start thawing the pipes closest to the taps. This allows melted ice and steam to escape easily.
Use safe heat sources: Apply heat with towels soaked in hot water, hot water bottles, or a hairdryer on a low setting. Never use a naked flame as these can damage pipes and start fires.
If you can thaw the pipes without causing a burst, you likely won't need a plumber.
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