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With the recent mild weather, the winter seems a long way off. However, it looks like the big freeze is finally here!

Temperatures are plummeting over the coming weeks! Cold snaps like these don’t only lead to treacherous frozen conditions, but major pitfalls such as frozen and burst pipes!

Now is the time to make sure that you are preparing your property for the cold conditions!

• Make sure that your paths are gritted to avoid ice build-up
• Remember to tackle any draughty doors or windows
• Take time to check that your home is well insulated and your pipes are lagged
• Inspect your loft insulation to make sure it’s up to challenge of the cold weather
• Ensure that water is not dripping from pipes or over-flows

And of course, make sure you have quality Home Insurance cover in force. If you have any queries about your existing cover simply call us on 02476 508090, or if you need a new policy simply talk to one of our advisors on 0844 249 5940.

Quick Links

• Pipes
• Storage cistern
• Empty home
• Control points

Pipes

Pipes which are in the roof space (or are subject to draughts) should be lagged with felt or pipe wrap and then covered with a waterproof material; the efficiency of insulation is considerably reduced if it gets wet.

Due to the improved insulation in lofts the temperature in this area can be significantly reduced in cold weather, which we have experienced over the last couple of years. Even if the central heating remains on, burst pipes can occur causing significant water damage to the entire property; therefore it is very important that pipes in the roof space are sufficiently protected.

Storage cistern

The storage cistern (which may be in your loft) should be lagged – preferably with a pre-formed insulation kit, or with polythene bags filled with glass wool, or some other loose insulation fill. These materials are available at good DIY stores.

DO NOT put the insulation material under the cistern as this will prevent the natural warmth coming through from the rooms below. The cistern should already have a rigid lid which is strong enough to carry insulation on top; do not use a prefabricated sheet of insulation material instead of a lid as it would be likely to break up and fall into the water in time.

Also, DO NOT cover the cistern with old carpet or furnishings as these will not only get damp and be useless as insulation but could also cause dirt to drop into the cistern and contaminate the water.

Empty home

Leaving the home empty during a cold spell can cause problems and, without precautions being taken, damage to the building and contents is more likely to occur. If you intend leaving the home unattended, arrange for the pipes and fittings to be drained down but only after you have shut off any water heating appliances.

When you return please make sure that the system is properly refilled and free of airlocks and that the cistern ball valves are working freely before turning on the water. It is preferable for these operations to be carried out by a plumber who will be aware of the difficulties and in particular the risk of collapsing hot water cylinders if the draining is carried out too rapidly.

Know where your control points are

To shut down the supply, you will need to use the main stop valve (and it’s better to find it NOW, not wait for an emergency). It is likely to be just inside the building, probably under the kitchen sink or in the airing cupboard. There may be a stop valve buried under a box in the front garden, which will need a long key to operate it. It may however, be under the outside path. Locate it now and keep a note for future reference. Although shutting either of these valves will stop water coming into the house, you will need to operate stop valves (usually in the loft) next to the storage cistern to stop water flowing in the pipes to the hot water system (and, in many cases, to the lavatory and cold taps in the bathroom).

Make sure that no boiler is alight before you shut off the water supply. Dwellings built during the last ten years or so are often fitted with draining taps usually next to the inside stop valve. However, if your house doesn’t have such taps, you can probably drain the system by using the taps over the bath and basins.

Alternatively, leave the central heating on and by using a thermostat, ensure that the home is maintained at a minimum temperature of 58°F (15°C) at all times. It is essential that you arrange for your boiler to be serviced annually, and suggested that this is scheduled for the summer months to ensure that it is in good working order for the winter period.

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