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Don't Let Burst Water Mains Take You Down - How to Be Prepared

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Winter weather can be troublesome for roads, gardens, and homes. The last thing anyone wants during a cold snap is a burst pipe. As temperatures drop in many parts of the country, cold weather warnings have been issued. In some regions, councils and emergency services have been alerted by the Met Office. This severe weather alert may cause snow, ice, and potential hazards such as travel disruption, power outages, and increased risks of slips and falls.

While many homeowners may overlook the issue of frozen or burst pipes during the winter months, this is a significant concern. According to Admiral, an insurance company, claims for damage caused by burst pipes increase after particularly cold weather. He advised that they always notice an increase in claims for harm from burst pipes after cold weather spells. They had three times as many claims following the last cold spell in December 2022 as they did in December 2021 and twice as many as they did in November 2022. After the last cold snap in December 2022, they had three times as many claims as in December 2021 and twice as many as in November 2022. Last year, burst and leaking pipes were responsible for 84 percent of all escape of water claims.

Considering the upcoming cold weather homeowners should prepare now to protect their homes and avoid expensive damage. To avoid frozen pipes, homeowners should insulate any exposed pipes, leave cupboard doors open to let warm air circulate around pipes, and maintain a steady, low level of heating throughout the day and night. It's also important to fix any leaks or drips immediately to avoid the buildup of ice, which can cause pipes to burst. With these precautions in place, homeowners can stay safe and protect their property during the cold weather. This article aims to act as a guide and to provide more information on what a burst water main entails.

Preventing a Burst Main

When water in a pipe freezes, it swells and creates pressure on the pipe, potentially causing it to burst. After the ice thaws out, leaks may occur, causing damage to the home. According to an expert, there are easy measures that can be taken to prevent pipes from freezing and causing harm. One such measure is to insulate the water tank and use high-quality lagging to insulate pipes both inside and outside of the home. Having a smart thermostat in the home is also beneficial because it enables homeowners to change the temperature while they are gone from the house and because contemporary thermostats provide more accurate readings.. By taking these steps, homeowners can avoid the risk of burst pipes and water damage to their property.

When You Go Away

Due to the increase in energy expenses, many homeowners are debating whether or not to turn on their heating. However, it is advised to keep a temperature of at least 12°C (53.6°F) if homeowners intend to leave their houses empty over the winter months to avoid pipes freezing. If this is not possible, an expert suggests turning off the water supply using the stopcock and draining the system to prevent damage from burst pipes. Even a short period of cold temperatures can cause pipes to freeze, and damage often occurs when homes are left unoccupied for extended periods, whether it's a weekend trip or a two-week holiday. By taking these steps, homeowners can safeguard their property against damage and prevent the inconvenience and expense of burst pipes.

When Your Main Bursts

It's crucial to stay vigilant for any discolouration on floors or walls and any decline in boiler pressure, as this may indicate a leak. In the event of a leak, it's essential to locate the stopcock in your home. An expert recommends taking immediate action by protecting or moving any belongings that may be affected, turning off the water supply at the stopcock and draining the system by running the cold tap. If it's safe to do so, windows and internal doors should be left open to facilitate the drying out process of the home. Homeowners can lessen the potential harm brought on by a water leak and lower the risk of additional damage by taking these actions.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, burst water mains can be a significant problem during winter, causing damage to homes and property. It is important for homeowners to take preventative measures such as insulating exposed pipes, maintaining low-level heating, and fixing leaks immediately. If planning to leave the home empty, it's advised to keep the temperature at least 12°C (53.6°F) or turn off the water supply and drain the system. In case of a burst pipe, it's essential to locate the stopcock, protect any belongings that may be affected, turn off the water supply, and drain the system. By taking these precautions, homeowners can avoid the inconvenience and expense of burst pipes and safeguard their property against damage.

How can I protect my pipes from bursting when frozen? Home Maintenance, What can I do in the winter to make sure my home is maintained? Home Tips, Bursting Pipes Prevention

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