Dealing with frozen water pipes at home during the winter season can be quite a nuisance. Not only does it cause a great deal of discomfort, but it wastes a lot of time and and money that can be spent elsewhere. However, there are certain precautions you can take to stop this from happening. For example, there are many mistakes that home-owners often make when at home. Some people do not leave the heating on when they leave their homes for lengthy periods of time. It is advisable to not turn the heating off completely when you go away for a few days or longer. The best things to do is to keep the heating on a low temperature. This way the heat will protect the pipes from freezing. Ensure that everyone in the house abides by this too in order to keep the house insulated.

Insulating your pipes

Another important measure is to ensure that your pipes stay insulated. You should be particularly worried about pipes that are outside the home as they are more exposed to freezing temperatures. You can prevent them from freezing if you insulate them in a solid manner. If you are unsure on which materials to buy, it is advisable to check with your local DIY store or to even ask a professional. This is less expensive then risking a frozen pipe bursting later.

Spotting a leaking pipe

If you notice a leaking pipe, you should fix it as soon as possible. This is due to the fact that a leaking pipe is usually an indication that it is about to burst. This will be particularly applicable to pipes that are exposed to freezing temperatures. To be more cost-effective, it would be better for you to fix the problem as quickly as possible before the situation gets worse. If you spot one leaking, it is best to get hold of a disposable diaper or a towel and wrap it around the leak. Please note that this is only a temporary solution to the problem, and that you should call a plumber to come and properly fix the problem. The towel or disposable diaper will only contain the leak for an hour or so.

What to do with a burst pipe

Unfortunately if it has reached this stage, you will have to turn the water off and call the plumber. Ensure that you turn off the water as quickly as possible to avoid the amount of flooding in the house. If there are any electrical appliances around, turn them off first, then the water. Ensure that everyone gets away from the water. You should put on water-proof clothing, such as boots and remove any form of object away from the water. This will not only ensure that your important items stay protected, but it will also help your plumber manoeuvre his way around the water.

If the flooding is quite extensive, you may need to consider finding alternative accommodation. The best thing to do is to check your insurance policy to check if your costs will be covered. You should also leave the windows and drawers open to aid the drying process.

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