Life Hack: Expert tips on winterproofing your pipes for cold weather
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January can be a chilly month and the last thing any of us need to kick off a new year is for pipes to burst.
Uisce Éireann has shared some advice for householders on how to protect their water pipes during cold weather. Freezing temperatures could cause expensive problems such as burst pipes and flooding for the unprepared as water expands by nearly 10% when it freezes, stopping the flow of water through pipes and causing even new pipes to split.
“There is no time like the present to get prepared, and following our five simple steps can help homeowners avoid stress and expense. It's not only about saving money and preventing damages at home but also about ensuring a sustainable water supply for everyone in our community,” says Uisce Éireann spokesperson Margaret Attridge.
“We know that the demand for water tends to increase significantly at this time of year so by following these simple steps homeowners and businesses can really make a difference and help ensure the taps keep flowing for all."
Exposed pipes and tanks are particularly vulnerable to freezing. Insulating them with lagging material can help prevent heat loss and keep pipes from freezing.
A well-maintained boiler is essential for efficient heating and can help reduce energy bills. You should have your boiler serviced regularly by an accredited plumber.
You should always fix any dripping taps but pay particular attention to external dripping taps in winter as water from them can freeze on the ground and can cause people to slip and injure themselves.
The inside stop valve is the main isolation valve for your water supply. It's important to make sure you can easily locate and operate the stop valve in case of a leak.
Cold air from outside can cause pipes to freeze inside. Draught-proof your home by sealing gaps around windows and doors.
Uisce Éireann is also urging the public and businesses to help to keep demand for water at sustainable levels through simple actions like checking for leaks, reporting leaks in the public network, and being mindful of water use in businesses.
In addition, they suggest making sure you have someone who can regularly check for any problems if you’re leaving your home unoccupied for a few days and leaving contact details for that person with your neighbours in case of an emergency.