Winterproof your home

It’s getting cold out there now. In the same way we’re reaching for our hats, scarves and gloves to keep ourselves toasty, our waterpipes need similar protection. If they get too cold, the water inside them freezes, expands and can split the pipe.

Here are some helpful tips to help:

1. Look after your boiler
   An unexpected spell of cold weather is often the time people find out their boiler or heating system has a problem. Get it serviced at the start of winter and you’ll know it’s fighting fit and working efficiently to keep you warm all winter.

2. Know where your stop taps are

   If you know exactly where your stop tap is, you’ll be able to turn the water off quicker in an emergency. Stop taps are often located under your kitchen sink, but may also be under the stairs, near your front door or in the pavement outside your home.

   Practice turning off your stop tap – clockwise to tighten (right to tight).

3. Going away? Leave the heating on low
   If you’re going away and leaving the house empty, remember to keep your heating on low (min 14ºC). This will help to stop your pipes freezing and reduce the chances of coming back to burst pipes and a soggy home.

4. Check your outdoor taps

   Look for drips, these can freeze and cause a build-up of ice that can cause the pipes to freeze back into your home. Wrap them up or fit a tap jacket.

5. Protect exposed pipes

   Lagging pipes protects against bursts and helps make your heating more efficient.

   Look after pipes that are in locations exposed to cold air – the garage, loft or outdoors. Wrap them up with lagging or fit pipe insulation to help prevent them freezing and bursting, then flooding your home when it thaws.