COLD SNAP WARNING: What to do if your pipes freeze – and how to avoid pricey problem in first place
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THE prospect of below-freezing temperatures during another cold snap has triggered a warning on frozen pipes – and tips aimed at preventing the potential of thousands of pounds worth of damage.
Clear, cold weather increases the risk of pipes freezing – and parts of the the Highlands are facing sub-zero temperatures for prolonged periods this week.
When they thaw, frozen pipes can split, resulting in thousands – and sometimes tens of thousands – of pounds’ worth of damage.
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Home insurer NFU Mutual said today it is concerned that homeowners may be "complacent" after recent warmer weather, increasing risk of costly and disruptive damage
As forecasters predict an end to the warmer, unsettled weather and a week of icy temperatures, the leading rural insurer is warning to people to beware of the signs of frozen pipes and take steps to avoid repair bills.
Extreme cold weather greatly increasing the chance of water in pipes around the home freezing. When the water in pipes freezes, it expands, causing the pressure inside the pipe to build up. This can often cause the pipe to split when it thaws, resulting in significant damage to the home.
Andrew Chalk, home insurance specialist at NFU Mutual, said:“In recent weeks, homeowners have rightly been tuned in to the potential dangers of storms and flooding, but unfortunately the colder weather brings a new and different risk.
“We know from experience that frozen can cause tens of thousands of pounds’ worth of damage, apparently coming on suddenly as the temperature rises. This means the damage often isn’t apparent until it’s too late.
“We’re urging homeowners not to be complacent after the recent storms and warmer weather and to be on the lookout for the signs of frozen pipes.
“If your taps, toilets or boiler stops working, you may have a frozen pipe, so it’s worth checking periodically. As soon as you identify a potentially frozen pipe, turn off your water at the mains and at your water tank, if you have one, and see if you can locate the blockage where the pipe is frozen.
“You can then call a plumber or attempt to thaw the pipe yourself while the water is off. To thaw pipes, open the taps and then attempt to thaw the area using hot cloths or towels or a similar item like a hot water bottle. Never use a naked flame and do not apply strong heat directly to the area, and consider placing a container beneath the area to catch any leaks if the pipe is burst.
“If there is a leak, ensure the mains water supply remains off and the water system is drained and contact your insurer.
“You can also reduce the likelihood of pipes freezing by making sure your central heating is kept on at a low temperature and is able circulate in unused rooms and by checking – or installing – insulation and lagging in cold areas of the house.
“As well as causing devastating damage, frozen pipes can be hugely disruptive, so it’s well worth taking these simple steps.”
What to do if your pipes freeze:
If taps or toilets stop working or refilling, or your boiler stops working, your taps may be frozen. If this happens:
- Know where your stopcock is and turn off the water
- Open the taps and then attempt to thaw the area using hot cloths or towels or a similar item like a hot water bottle. Never use a naked flame and do not apply strong heat directly to the area. Consider placing a container beneath the area to catch any leaks if the pipe is burst
- If there is a leak, ensure the mains water supply remains off and the water system is drained and contact your insurer
Steps to take now to prevent pipes from freezing
The chances of pipes freezing and splitting depends on the weather, the age and construction of the plumbing, and other factors like the level of insulation in your home. However, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the chances of damage.
- Insulate pipes and water tanks with inexpensive lagging and tank jackets, paying particular attention to areas exposed to the cold – for example, outdoor pipes and those in attics, basements and lesser-used rooms
- Set your thermostat to kick in above freezing temperature, or set the heating to regularly come on, even if you are not home
- If leaving the house for a number of days, turn the water off at the mains and run the taps to avoid water building up in pipes
- Insulate your home with draught excluders and other methods
- When the heating is on, consider opening doors to little-used rooms and cupboards where pipes are
- Fix leaky taps, which can increase the chance of freezing.
Weather outlook
Dingwall, foe example, can expect overnight lows of -4C with the temperature currently sub 0C and expected to remain so from late afternoon. Tuesday looks set to be another cold one with the temperature not expected to rise about freezing all day.
Tain in Easter Ross can expect a 'high' of 1C tomorrow – the same as Ullapool in the west. The Wester Ross port though will see the temperature dip to -3C overnight and the same during the day tomorrow.
