 How to avoid frost damaged pipes
Don't let Winter take you by surprise this year!
This simple advice may help you avoid the inconvenience and expense that
a frost damaged pipe can cause. Burst pipes can cause millions of pounds
worth of damage a year, and also needlessly waste water.
Insulation
Check that all pipework, cisterns and tanks in un-heated areas like
lofts, roofs, under floor spaces, and in outbuildings and garages are
well insulated.
NB Don't insulate underneath your tank as warm air will be unable
to rise from the rooms below. This warm air helps to keep the tank warm
and less likely to freeze.
Heating
During frosty weather keep your heating on low day and night. Providing
a low level of constant heat will help prevent your pipes freezing. If you are away from home for any length of time turn off the water supply
and drain the system.
Draining down
Even the best insulation will not prevent pipes from freezing if frosty
conditions persist. So, during lengthy periods of frost, outside pipes
and pipework and any exposed plumbing should be isolated and drained down,
with draining taps left open.
Once the weather conditions have improved supplies can then be restored.
Dripping taps
Before the weather turns frosty, repair any leaking taps.
Dealing with frost damaged
pipes
Insulation material should conform to B.S.5422
and be installed in accordancewith B.S.5970
Freezing
Remember that although damage to pipes occurs when they freeze the
burst will only become apparent during the thaw. If freezing has occurred
you should isolate the affected area by closing the stopcock (always clockwise)
on that supply.
You might want to check where your stopcock
is before Winter sets in to make sure it can be turned on and off. If
it cannot be closed, you should close the external boundary stopcock.
Open taps to sinks, basins, etc to drain the plumbing system when the
thaw takes place. This should reduce any damage in your home caused by
water escaping from a burst pipe.
Thawing out
Before you start to thaw out the system move anything that could be
damaged by thawed water escaping from burst pipes.
Warning
After freezing has occurred there can be a risk of explosion if heat
is applied suddenly. Don't switch on any water heating appliances, boilers,
immersion heaters, etc until you are sure that the system has thawed out.
Do not try to thaw out pipes using a naked flame
such as a blow lamp! Instead, use a hot water bottle or a hairdryer, but
take care, there may be a burst pipe that could spray water as it thaws
Caution! Water and electricity don't mix.
Be careful of your wiring or electrical appliances
as they may have been affected by the burst. If you are in any doubt,
turn off your electricity at the mains and call in an electrician. If
there is damage to your water pipes you may want to call a plumber.
You too can help get leakage down
If you spot a leak please call
Dwr Cymru Welsh Water's Leakline on 0800 281432 and they will
send out one of their leak detection experts within 24 hours.
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