Burst pipes and blocked drains are a nuisance at the best of times, but with Christmas fast approaching and visiting relatives on their way, it’s even more important to avoid plumbing issues in your home. We’ve put together a checklist of a few quick and easy things you can do to prevent costly problems that could really dampen the festive spirit!
Insulate your pipes
A simple way to reduce the risk of frozen pipes over the winter is to cover them in good quality lagging to keep the heat in. This will also make your central heating more efficient, saving you money on your bills. You can buy pipe insulation at all good hardware stores- don’t forget to pick up some duct tape too if the lagging doesn’t have a self-adhesive slit.
Clear leaves and debris from gutters
Just as it’s important to keep your drains clear inside the house (use plug hole strainers to catch food in the kitchen sink and hair in the shower), you should check your outdoor gutters and drains regularly too; leaves, twigs and debris can cause havoc if left to build up!
Don’t pour oil down the sink
It’s never a good idea to pour greasy waste down the kitchen sink, but oil is even more likely to solidify and block your pipes in really cold weather. Once that tasty Christmas roast is finished up, leave the fat to harden in the tray and then throw it in the bin.
Leave the heating on a timer if you go away
If you’re visiting family for Christmas or spending it abroad, don’t forget to set your central heating to come on for a an hour or two a couple of times a day while you’re away. This will ensure the pipes don’t freeze, which can cause them to expand and crack. It’s also a good idea to ask a trusted neighbour to check on your house, in case there are any problems while you’re not around.
If in doubt, call an approved Heating Engineer!
If you do encounter any problems with your plumbing or central heating system, the safest option is to give us a call, rather than trying to fix it yourself. Our repairs services start at just £65 and our qualified plumbing engineers are on call 24 hours a day to resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
Get in touch today and let us help you keep your home warm and dry this winter, you can call 0800 6446750 24 hours a day!