Be Prepared For Winter

Our tips for looking after your pipes this winter

Leave your heating on, using a low setting.
If you live in a flat, leave the heating on low in rooms where the mains pipe supplies neighbouring flats.
When you're going away then make sure you have someone who can regularly check for any problems
Should your neighbours not have a key for your home make sure they have contact details for someone who does, in case of an emergency.
If your property is going to be vacant over the winter months, turn off your water supply and drain the system - a licensed plumber should be able to give you advice about this, visit www.needaplumber.org, search for a plumber on the homepage of their website
Now is a good time to locate your stop valve in your home

Your water tank should be fitted with an insulation jacket or alternatively, the top and sides of the tank can be wrapped with suitable insulation material. Don't place loft insulation under the tank, as this stops heat from the rooms below helping to keep the tank warm.
Toilet cisterns, water tanks or pipes in exposed places or unheated outbuildings, should be insulated. Better still drain them for winter if you're not using them.
Watch our film on insulating your pipes
Buy good quality insulation - the thinner the pipe the thicker the insulation must be. 15mm or 1/2" pipes need insulation which is 25mm thick, 28mm or 1" pipe needs insulation which is at least 19mm thick

0 ^o C: Pipes are now suitable for home freezing!
Dripping water increases the risk of freezing, so have any leaks at taps or valves repaired as soon as you discover them.
Watch our film on what to do if a pipe freezes
Cold draughts also increase your heating bills and can cause frozen pipework.
Look out for your neighbours, especially the frail, elderly and vulnerable.
Watch our film on what to do if a pipe bursts