WITH temperatures across the UK set to plummet into minus figures this week, homeowners could see themselves facing a costly bill if their plumbing isn’t up to scratch.
If pipes freeze during a sudden cold snap and then burst, this can cause significant disruption and serious damage to properties, even if only a minor rupture.
Figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) show the cost of a weather-related home insurance claim for burst pipes is a huge £9,300.
The good news is there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of pipes freezing, according to plumbing expert, Alex Goddard, from building supply retailer, Build and Plumb.
He told The Sun: “Just a few small changes can make a big difference, and can hopefully mean you avoid those hefty costs.”
1. Install pipe insulation
Insulating water pipes is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to prevent them from freezing and bursting, according to Alex.
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He said. “The more pipework you can insulate, the better.
"Not only will this minimise the damage caused by cold weather, it will also reduce heat loss, making your system more efficient.”
You should be able to pick up insulation materials relatively cheaply.
Alex said: “Homeowners can protect their pipes themselves with a bit of DIY wrap-around wool insulation.
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"You can get 7.2m of Topsleeve wool pipe lagging for £3.49.”
Alternatively, you can get one metre of Climaflex grey foam pipe insulation for 99p.
While you’re at it, add insulation to your hot water cylinder.
At Wickes, you can buy a British Standard jacket for £22.
Also put draught excluders around your doors. Keep costs to a minimum by fashioning your own.
You can do this by filling one leg of a pair of tights with stuffing, and tying or sewing the end closed.
Old towels will also do a decent job.
2. Leave the heating on overnight
Another way to reduce the risk of frozen pipes is by keeping your heating on.
“In very cold weather, it may be worth keeping it at around 13 degrees overnight,” said Alex.
“Although this might add a little extra cost to your energy bill, it can help prevent a large bill from a plumber or heating engineer.”
If you have a smart thermostat, it should have an anti-frost setting to keep your home heated to a very minimal temperature that will stop pipes from freezing, according to the ABI.
Alternatively, most radiators will have a setting with a snowflake symbol.
Turning to this will allow minimal water flow between pipes and radiators to prevent freezing.
3. Locate your stop-cap
It’s important to know where to find your stopcock, in case of emergencies.
“Most can be found under the kitchen sink,” said Alex. “Don’t make the mistake of not knowing where yours is.”
Equally, if you’re leaving your home for an extended period of time when the weather is cold, Alex recommends using the stop-cap to cut off all water supply to the house.
He said: “This will prevent pipes from freezing, and help avoid any subsequent leaks and damage from a burst pipe.”
4. Repair dripping taps
If you know you’ve got a dripping tap, now is the time to take action.
“Fixing this could help prevent water from freezing,” said Alex.
“Other simple tips include opening cupboard doors with pipes inside to allow warmer air to circulate, and bleeding your radiators.”
You can bleed radiators yourself using a dedicated key to turn the value at the top.
Your aim is to get rid of any air pockets from inside the unit, and get the hot water flowing through properly.
5. Book a boiler service
Alex said: “A further simple way to reduce the risk of pipes freezing is by getting your boiler serviced to check everything is working as it should be.”
Expect to pay between £80 and £125. Always use a Gas Safe Register engineer.
What should I do if a pipe freezes?
If you find yourself with a frozen pipe, this can usually be fixed by slowly heating it up, according to Alex.
“The aim is to melt the ice to clear a blockage,” said the plumbing supremo.
“If your tap isn’t working, turn it on before thawing the pipe to encourage water flow.
"To heat up the pipework, you could use either a hairdryer, or warm (but not boiling) water from a kettle.
"You could also use a towel soaked in warm water.”
Alex said it’s important not to use a blowtorch, lighter, or any naked flame.
“This could damage pipework even more,” he warned.
“The key is to warm the pipes up slowly.
"Do not pour a kettle full of boiling water directly onto a frozen pipe, as this will cause further damage.”
What should I do if a pipe bursts?
If your pipe bursts, the advice from the ABI is to turn the water off at the stopcock.
You should also switch off your central heating and any other water heating installations, and open all taps to drain the system.
Look to move any possessions, such as furniture or clothing, to prevent further damage to your belongings.
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You should then contact your insurer right away. Many operate 24-hour helplines.
Your insurer will advise on the next steps, and also help to arrange professional repairs to be carried out.
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