The Big Freeze: A Simple Guide To Avoiding Frozen & Burst Pipes Across Coventry & Warwickshire

Freezing temperatures are returning to Coventry & Warwickshire, and it’s vital that you take proactive measures to safeguard your home against the harsh conditions that can lead to frozen or burst pipes, which can create enormous problems for homeowners and businesses alike. Vikings Building Solutions are experts in all things plumbing & heating, emergency plumbing, and drainage, so we are well-versed in dealing with the devastating impacts of damaged pipes. In this blog post, we will offer valuable advice on preventing and treating frozen pipes and deliver top tips to avoid significant issues with your pipes. 

1. Insulate Your Pipes

Insulating pipes is one of the most effective ways to prevent freezing pipes. Identify any exposed pipes in your home, especially those in unheated areas like attics or crawl spaces. Use insulation sleeves or wrapping to provide a protective barrier to keep the pipes warm and avoid freezing them this winter. 

2. Maintain a Constant Temperature

It’s crucial to keep your home consistently heated during freezing spells, even when you’re away. Set your boiler to a moderate temperature and avoid drastic temperature changes that can contribute to pipe freezing. If you plan to be away for an extended period, consider leaving the heat on or opening cabinet doors to allow warm air to reach the pipes.

3. Get Your Boiler Serviced

Getting your boiler serviced regularly is essential to ensure it is working correctly to keep your house or business warm this winter. Vikings Building Solutions offers boiler repairs in Coventry & Warwickshire, boiler servicing, and boiler replacements. If you suspect you might have an issue with your boiler, contact Vikings Building Solutions to discuss.  

4. Fix leaking taps

Leaky taps can cause drains to freeze, water to back up in your sink and potentially overflow, which can significantly damage your drainage system. Vikings Building Solutions have attended many a frozen drain, and the repairs can cause significant headaches for our clients. Therefore, you must ensure your taps are off and fix them if they continue to drip.If you have any leak taps, we provide plumbing and emergency plumbing services across Coventry and Warwickshire.

5. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

Outdoor hoses can cause problems if not adequately prepared for winter. Disconnect them, drain any remaining water, and store them indoors. Additionally, consider installing outdoor faucet covers to protect them from the cold.

6. Detect and Thaw Any Frozen Pipes Safely

Vikings Building Solutions have attended many a frozen pipe; more often than not, it tends to be the condenser pipe. If you have noticed your condenser pipe is frozen but has not burst, you should be able to thaw it safely using warm towels or a hair dryer. Avoid extreme heat like boiling water, as that can seriously damage pipes. The same method for thawing pipes can be transferred to any other pipes in your home if you suspect they are frozen.

7. Consult a Proper Plumbing and Heating Engineer

If you cannot detect the problem, thaw the frozen pipe or discover it has burst, it’s time to call the professionals. Vikings Building Solutions provides emergency plumbing across Coventry and Warwickshire. Our team of experts can quickly assess the situation, offer efficient solutions to get your plumbing back in working order and provide 24/7 Emergency Call Outs to clients across Coventry & Warwickshire. 

Conclusion

If you’re worried about the prospect of damage or frozen pipework, look out for the following warning signs.

 

• • Any damp patches on walls or ceilings

• • Any exposed pipes that appear frosty

• • Slow water pressure from your water outputs

 

By taking these proactive measures, you can minimise the risk of frozen pipes and ensure a more comfortable winter in Coventry. If you have any concerns or need assistance with your plumbing, don’t hesitate to contact Vikings Building Solutions.