🏡🛠️ Keep Your Home Safe from Freezing This Winter!
As temperatures plummet, the risk of your household pipes freezing and bursting increases. Let’s break down how you can avoid disaster and costly repairs. 🚰💧
**Insulation is Key!** Make sure your pipes, especially the outdoor ones, are wrapped up warm. Grab some lagging or insulating materials that are at least 5mm thick and cover exposed pipes in cold-prone areas like the loft or roof space. This simple step can be a lifesaver!
**Boiler TLC**: Your boiler needs love too! Ensure it’s serviced annually to keep it running smoothly, which in turn keeps your home warm and efficient. Plus, it can save on those energy bills and keep your warranty intact.
**The ‘Ideal’ Temp:** On those chilly days, it’s tempting to crank up the heat, but the ideal range is between 18-20°C. This keeps your home cosy and your pipes safe from freezing. Many systems have a frost protection mode that helps too!
**Away or Asleep?** Lower your thermostat to 15-17°C to save energy, but don’t switch it off completely. Scheduling regular heating intervals also helps in maintaining a steady warm environment for your pipes.
**Find Your Stopcock!** In case a pipe does crack, knowing where your stopcock is can prevent major water damage. It’s usually under the sink, but double-check its location now so you’re ready in an emergency!
**Stay Prepared:** If faced with a burst pipe or urgent issue, avoid DIY fixes and reach out to a 24-hour emergency plumber. Their expertise can prevent further damage and costs.
Getting these steps in place now can prevent a winter headache. Keep warm and stress-free this season! 🌡️❄️💪