When the temperature drops below freezing, the water sitting in your pipes can freeze, expand and split the pipe. You often do not realise until the thaw, when the crack lets water pour out — and by then the damage to floors, ceilings and belongings can be considerable.
Preventing frozen pipes
Prevention is straightforward. Lag (insulate) any exposed pipes, especially in the roof space, garage or against outside walls. In very cold spells, keep your heating on a low background temperature even when you are out, rather than switching it off completely. If you are going away over winter, either leave the heating ticking over or drain the system down. And make sure you know where your main stopcock is, so you can shut the water off quickly if you ever need to.
If a pipe freezes
If a pipe does freeze but has not yet burst, turn off the water at the stopcock and gently warm the frozen section — a hot water bottle or a hairdryer on a low setting, working from the end nearest the tap. Never use a naked flame.
If a pipe bursts
If a pipe has already burst, turn off the water at the stopcock immediately, switch off your heating, and open the cold taps to drain the system. If water is anywhere near electrics, turn the power off at the consumer unit and keep clear. Then call us.
Letters Plumbing & Heating offers fast local help across Ballymena and County Antrim when a pipe fails. Save our number now so you have it before you need it.