Avoid expensive and avoidable frozen pipes which can burst!

We have compiled a simple list below of our top tips to prevent easily avoidable and costly flood damage.

As temperatures have suddenly dropped 8 degrees (in 24 hours) to below -3 degrees Celsius this week, it's important to remember this can spell disaster for your external plumbing or uninsulated pipes. So take 5 minutes to get winter ready and save yourself the headache!

TURN OFF YOUR OUTDOOR TAPS & DRAIN THEM

The damage isn't always immediately obvious, but once a pipe has frozen (and therefore expanded) it can and often does cause a stress crack. Once the temperature starts to drop and this pipe thaws, then the uncontrollable burst pipe will make itself known. Avoid is by locating the internal isolation valve or stopcock to each outdoor tap and isolate it, once this is done proceed to open the taps to allow any water sitting inside to dribble out. Providing you have completely isolated any external taps, you can leave them in the open position. If you have a hose pipe or any accessories fitted to it, remove and drain them then store them away until the sunshine and warmer weather returns.

Disconnecting hosepipes also reduces the risk of "back flow". This is when stagnant water is drawn back into your home's drinking water supply, causing contamination.

If for any reason each external tap doesn't have an isolation valve, ensure one is fitted. If you need any assistance then you can always call your friendly local Chichester plumbers or Bognor Regis plumbers (and surrounding areas) at Plumbford and we'll be more than happy to help!

FIT AN OUTDOOR TAP FROST COVER

Another great, inexpensive way to protect your exposed outdoor taps from frost is to simply fit an insulated tap cover. They start from just £3.18 and fit snuggly over the tap. Although this is a great additional layer of protection, we wouldn't recommend this as an alternative to the tips above.

INSULATE PIPES

Whether you have an exposed pipe feeding your outside tap, or bare pipes running through a poorly insulated loft space, insulate them to protect against frost. Only today I was working in a loft where the cold water storage tank had frozen, causing catastrophic damage to someones home and electrics.  Lagging costs very little and can be done as a quick DIY project, take the time to ensure your pipes are protected. In return, you may even experience efficiencies within your heating and hot water system if they run through these areas, as there will be far less heat loss and transference! Again, if this isn't something you do yourself or fill comfortable with, contact a local plumber to inspect the areas of concern and quote for the necessary work.

We hope you enjoy this lovely fresh weather and have no issues whatsoever, but if you experience a burst or frozen pipe, then call a plumber immediately - we offer an Emergency 24:7 service should you ever need us.