Avoid the risk of burst pipes

Being away from you house at any time during winter can cause problems with your home’s plumbing and central heating system, especially when it’s so cold.

So, when you’re away, programme your boiler’s timer (if it has one) so that the heating comes on regularly, even if it’s only for short periods. This will help to prevent frozen pipes.

Make sure that all your pipes and water storage tanks (if your boiler has tanks) are properly lagged, especially in cooler areas like the loft, where tanks should be insulated along with the rest of the loft. This will help to prevent freezing, as well as saving energy. Another tip is to open the hatch to warm the loft in cold weather, if you can bear it, which should also help to stop the pipes up there from freezing.

Inspect your boiler’s water storage tanks from time to time. If there are any signs of corrosion or leaking, contact a reputable plumber. Ask any plumbers you phone about call-out charges and find out exactly what they cover so you don't get any nasty surprises when you get presented with the bill.

And if you do find you have a leak, make sure you switch off the supply. We suggest you locate and label your main stopcock. This will be on the incoming mains water supply and is often under the kitchen sink. If you have a leak, you’ll need to be able to find and turn off this stopcock quickly, so don’t take any chances. Your stopcock can corrode over time, so check that it’s working properly by turning it from fully open to fully closed and back again a couple of times (leave it half a turn from fully open once you’re done). Do this every six months or so.

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