Flooding due to heavy rain is something that homeowners can’t prevent – they can only make sure they are prepared for the worst. Internal water damage is a different matter, so make sure you don’t suffer from a burst pipe this winter by following these simple tips.
Even a tiny fracture in a water pipe can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage, not only to your home but to your neighbours’ flats too as gallons of water can be released, especially if it happens while you are away. To keep your risk to a minimum there are a number of easy precautions you can take.
First, always have your boiler and central heating system serviced on a regular basis. This not only reduces the chance of a leak but ensures your system is working efficiently. If the weather turns cold and your heating stops working, you could have a frozen pipe. Turn off your boiler and call a plumber.
Insulate your water pipes and hot water tank. Also, if you have a condensing boiler, talk to your plumber about lagging your condensate pipe. Don’t ignore dripping taps or overflows – they could indicate a problem with your water system. External water pipes in communal grounds should be turned off in freezing conditions and hoses disconnected.
If the weather is severely cold, don’t turn off your heating at night, leave the system on a low setting. This also applies if you are going away. Ask a neighbour or your property manager to check your flat on a regular basis for any problems. If your flat is likely to be left empty for a long time, drain down the water system and turn the water off.
Make sure you and the other members of your family know how and where to turn off the water supply to your flat and check that your stop valve is easy to turn on and off in an emergency.
If you discover a frozen pipe, turn off the water and slowly thaw the pipe using a gentle heat source such as a hairdryer or hot water bottle. Don’t try to thaw the pipe with a blow torch or other source of rapid, direct heat. Have a bucket ready in case the pipe bursts.
If you are unlucky enough to have a burst pipe this winter, turn off the water at the stop cock and turn on the cold taps to drain the system and turn off your central heating. It may be worth investing in an electric heater for emergency use. At least you will be able to keep warm until the plumber arrives.
