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Contents
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Preparing for
winter |
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How to protect
from frost |
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Dealing with
frost damaged pipes |
Preparing
for winter
Frost damage to water pipes isn't just
inconvenient; it may prove expensive. Prepare yourself for
the winter and avoid the unnecessary waste of water and damage
to your home that burst pipes can bring. Although we look
after the pipework up to the boundary of your home, you are
responsible for the pipework from the boundary and all of
the pipework inside your house. It only takes a few simple
precautions to prevent pipe bursts during winter.
The danger is greatest if:
- The house is unoccupied and unheated – even during
the day.
- You have an outside WC, or a cistern or water pipes
in roof spaces that are not lagged.
- The bathroom or kitchen is on the north or east side
of the house.
How
to protect from frost
Stoptaps
Locate, identify and label all stoptaps and valves. Check
regularly that they are working correctly. The main stoptap
is often to be found under the kitchen sink.
Dripping taps
Repair any dripping taps. For our repair service, see our
'Running and dripping
taps' section.
Insulation
Check that all pipework, cisterns and tanks in unheated areas
like lofts, roofs and under floor spaces, outbuildings and
garages are well insulated. If they are not, insulate them
with good quality waterproof foam lagging. This is usually
available at your DIY store or local plumbers merchant. Insist
on insulation that meets the requirements of British Standard
6700 and Water Supply Regulations.
Heating
During prolonged periods of frost, keep buildings heated.
If frosty conditions persist set automatic timers to constant
or 24 hours, and use your thermostat to maintain a low level
of heat through the night and while you're out through the
day. Ask a friend or relative to visit your home every day
if you are away for an extended period. This will mean that
if you do suffer a burst pipe, it will be detected as soon
as possible, and the damage caused will be minimised.
Draining down
Even the best insulation will not prevent pipes from freezing
when frosty conditions persist. So, during lengthy periods
of frost, external pipework, outside taps and exposed plumbing
should be isolated and drained down with draining taps left
open. Once the weather conditions have improved the water
supply can then be restored.
If the worst happens, follow the steps
listed below:
 Dealing
with frost damaged pipes
Freezing
Remember that although damage to pipes occurs during the freezing
process, the burst will only become apparent when the water
in the pipe thaws. So, if freezing has occurred you should
first isolate the affected area by closing the stoptap to
that supply. If this can’t be closed, you should close
the external boundary stoptap.
Open taps to sinks, basins, etc. to drain
the plumbing system when the thaw takes place. This should
reduce damage caused by water escaping from a burst pipe.
Warning
After freezing has occurred there is a risk of explosion if
heat is applied suddenly. Do not switch on water heating appliances,
boilers, immersion heaters, etc. until you are sure the system
has thawed out.
Reheat the building using gas, solid
fuel or electric heaters that are unconnected with the plumbing
or central heating system. To start thawing frozen pipes,
open the tap then start thawing the pipe at the end nearest
the tap. Do not try to thaw pipes using a naked flame. A hairdryer
can be used to direct heat on to frozen pipes, but take care,
there may be a burst pipe that could spray water as is thaws.
Restoring supplies
Once you’re satisfied that the plumbing has thawed and
no leakage is apparent, close the taps you have opened and
slowly open the stoptap. Check the plumbing system for leakages
once it’s under pressure and, only when you are satisfied
all systems are thawed, switch on water heating appliances.
If a leak does become apparent, isolate
the affected pipe by closing the stoptap, then call a plumber.
Remember, the pipes within your boundary
are your responsibility. If you're in any doubt at all about
what to do, please seek expert advice.
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