by Lesley Bull, Marketing Manager
29 November 2019

• Because winter weather can cause property damage
• Because being prepared can help minimise the risks
• Because YOUR home is important

Winter is officially here. Before the big chill sets in there are some steps you can take to minimise the risk that the cold temperatures can bring.

One of the top, and most obvious tips, is to:-

BE PREPARED

• Make sure you understand the layout and routes of all water, gas and electricity services within your home and that this is noted and easily available
• Be aware of the location of all main and subsidiary isolation-valves and ensure they are fully operational – regular exercising of the valves will ensure easier isolation
• Keep to hand the contact details of reliable local plumbing contractors

PREVENT BURST PIPES – before a big freeze

• Protect pipes and tanks with good quality lagging to BS6700
• To prevent waste pipes freezing repair dripping taps and faulty ball valves
• If your property is going to be unoccupied, leave the heating on at a low level or drain all equipment that is susceptible to condensation or freezing – you should check your insurance policy wording for specific requirements they may impose - give your broker or company a call for further guidance
• Set a frost stat to a minimum of 4ᵒC on central heating
• Make sure the property is inspected daily in periods of very cold weather
• Ensure your heating system is serviced at least annually
• Ensure all boilers are safeguarded against freezing - particularly drain and condensate lines.

MINIMISING THE DAMAGE – in the event of a problem

• Isolate water at the stop cock (make sure you know where it is in advance) then turn on cold taps to drain the system
• Turn off the central heating
• Never use a naked flame to thaw ice blocked pipes and equipment
• Protect or move any vulnerable items that could become damaged
• Check for “Ice dams” on edges of roofs, especially tiled roofs, due to the thawing and refreezing of melting snow. Water can back up, get under tiles and leak into the building. Keep drains open and free of ice wherever possible – you may need to use a professional service
• Monitor the amount of snow on roofs and arrange for it to be cleared before accumulations reach unsafe levels

SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

• Engage a specialist contractor to ensure your sprinkler system is “winter safe”
• Systems that protect outdoor or cold areas (lofts etc), valve chambers and pump rooms are particularly vulnerable
• Maintain heating at all times to a minimum of 4ᵒC
• Exposed pipework should be trace heated and lagged, this must be inspected and maintained regularly.