As temperatures drop here in Swindon, it's crucial to take preventative measures to protect your plumbing system from freezing and potential burst pipes. At MPS Heating we believe that prevention is better than cure, so here are some of our winter plumbing tips that can hopefully help our local Swindon Customers avoid frozen pipes and unnecessary bills.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
* Insulate pipes: Wrap exposed pipes with insulation jackets or foam pipe sleeves. This will help prevent heat loss and keep them from freezing.
* Insulate faucets: Cover outdoor faucets with insulated covers to protect them from the cold.
Keep Heat Sources Near Pipes
* Run outside Taps slowly: Dripping taps can help prevent pipes from freezing! The slow flow of water creates a slight movement that prevents the water from freezing solid.
* Open cabinets: If you have exterior walls with pipes, keep the cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
Disconnect Exterior Hoses
* Remove hoses: Disconnect Garden hoses and sprinkler systems from outdoor faucets. Leaving them attached can cause water to freeze and damage the pipes.
Winterise Your Sprinkler System
* Winterise your system: If you have a sprinkler system, make sure to winterise it properly to prevent freezing and damage. This typically involves draining the system and adding antifreeze.
Be Prepared for Power Outages
* Have a backup plan: If you experience a power outage, be prepared to keep your pipes from freezing. You may need to use space heaters or other methods to keep your home warm.
Know the Signs of Frozen Pipes
* Watch for signs: Be aware of the signs of frozen pipes, such as cold spots on walls, discolored water, and a musty odor. If you suspect a frozen pipe, act quickly to prevent damage.
Remember: If you encounter a frozen pipe, do not attempt to thaw it with a torch or naked flame. This can cause the pipe to burst. Instead, use a hair dryer or space heater to gradually warm the area.
If you're unable to resolve the issue, it's best to call a professional Plumber & Heating Engineer such as ourselves. Over the past 25+ years MPS Heating has actually helped tens if not hundreds of homeowners with blocked up and frozen pipes. As a result, we are experts in resolving the problem quickly and efficiently.
* Insulate pipes: Wrap exposed pipes with insulation jackets or foam pipe sleeves. This will help prevent heat loss and keep them from freezing.
* Insulate faucets: Cover outdoor faucets with insulated covers to protect them from the cold.
Keep Heat Sources Near Pipes
* Run outside Taps slowly: Dripping taps can help prevent pipes from freezing! The slow flow of water creates a slight movement that prevents the water from freezing solid.
* Open cabinets: If you have exterior walls with pipes, keep the cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
Disconnect Exterior Hoses
* Remove hoses: Disconnect Garden hoses and sprinkler systems from outdoor faucets. Leaving them attached can cause water to freeze and damage the pipes.
Winterise Your Sprinkler System
* Winterise your system: If you have a sprinkler system, make sure to winterise it properly to prevent freezing and damage. This typically involves draining the system and adding antifreeze.
Be Prepared for Power Outages
* Have a backup plan: If you experience a power outage, be prepared to keep your pipes from freezing. You may need to use space heaters or other methods to keep your home warm.
Know the Signs of Frozen Pipes
* Watch for signs: Be aware of the signs of frozen pipes, such as cold spots on walls, discolored water, and a musty odor. If you suspect a frozen pipe, act quickly to prevent damage.
Remember: If you encounter a frozen pipe, do not attempt to thaw it with a torch or naked flame. This can cause the pipe to burst. Instead, use a hair dryer or space heater to gradually warm the area.
If you're unable to resolve the issue, it's best to call a professional Plumber & Heating Engineer such as ourselves. Over the past 25+ years MPS Heating has actually helped tens if not hundreds of homeowners with blocked up and frozen pipes. As a result, we are experts in resolving the problem quickly and efficiently.