With the #BeastFromTheEast approaching and snow starting to fall, it is no doubt that the freezing temperatures are going to put the pipes in your home at risk – So, to avoid your pipes bursting this week (26/2/18), here are some handy tips.

  • Insulate your loft, sides of your water tanks and all pipes with good quality insulation. A local DIY store will help you get the right materials for the job.
  • Open up your loft hatch on cold days so warmer air can circulate up from the floors below.
  • If you’re going to be away in the winter, ask someone to check your home regularly to watch out for frozen or burst pipes. If you’re going away for a while, consider draining down the system. Check your insurance policy – policies usually contain clauses about cover for properties that have been vacant for a set number of days.
  • Fit new washers to dripping taps so they don’t freeze and block the pipe. If you can’t replace the washer immediately, put a plug in the sink to catch the drips.
  • Keep your heating on at low temperatures during very cold spells, and take advantage of frost protection thermostats on heaters.
  • Make sure you know where the mains water stop cock is!

Read More: Poor cleaning habits in the home!

What to do when the pipe’s frozen, but hasn’t burst yet:

  • Remove items like furniture and cover carpet tarpaulin or a pile of absorbent towels near where the frozen pipe is. If the pipe does eventually burst, this should help minimise damage.
  • Carefully thaw out the pipe by opening the tap nearest to the part of the pipe that you think is frozen. This lets the water flow more easily once it’s melted.
  • Thaw the ice in the pipe with a hot water bottle, a cloth soaked in hot water or a hairdryer (but keep clear of any water). Start at the end with the tap and work back towards the cold-water tank. Don’t use a heat gun or blow torch. Place a portable heater in the room, but not too close to any water.

An excess higher than cost of damage = a call to ServiceMaster Clean would be less expensive. *

Damage higher than excess = call your insurer to log you claim (be prepared to pay your excess payment to the Insurers Contractor when they arrive)

*If you would like immediate attendance, call your local ServiceMaster Clean business. We will produce all the paperwork for your Insurers to handle your claim.