During the month of February, we often hear weather reports about a big freeze or temperature drops hitting the UK, so what do you do with your drains if freezing conditions are about to strike?
Identify risky areas
The first thing to do is assess your pipes in areas of your home which are prone to getting cooler such as basements or attics.
Insulate
Once you’ve recognised these areas, set about insulating the pipes with insulating materials to help keep them warmer. You can use towels and things you have at home to wrap your pipes, but a good idea is to purchase some pipe insulation. This will make sure your pipes are properly protected from the icy temperatures.
Prevention is always better than cure, so being confident that you’re prepared for cold snaps and have taken necessary precautions is always better than having to fix a problem. But if you do get a frozen pipe, here are some steps to take.
How to identify a frozen pipe
If you notice a change in in water pressure, water discoloration, persistent leaks, an unusually high-water bills, or strange noises, you might have a frozen pipe. Know the signs so you can sort the issue quickly.
What to do if you get a frozen pipe
We know that if something is frozen, your initial though goes to getting that temperature risen as quick as possible, but DON’T resort to direct heat or flames, as a rapid change in temperature can cause even more issues. Instead, warm pipes with a hairdryer which will warm it up slowly or wrap pipes in towels which have been soaked in hot water. Once they’ve started to thaw you can pour hot water down the drains to help thaw from the inside too. But don’t do this too early, let them defrost a bit first.
If you need any assistance with frozen pipes this winter, we’re always on hand to help. Just give us a call on 07824 757572 or 0800 849 8099 and one of our friendly engineers will be out to sort your issue.
