Winter is coming! With chilly days and frosty nights around the corner, now’s the time to get your home ready. Winter-proofing isn’t just about staying cosy; it also helps prevent problems like frozen pipes, which can burst and cause big water leaks. Here are five simple steps you can take to make sure your home is winter-ready – and avoid costly surprises when the temperatures drop!
1. Insulate Your Pipes
Let’s start with a big one! When it’s freezing outside, water in exposed pipes can freeze too. If the pipe bursts, it can lead to a flood of issues! To avoid this, cover your pipes with foam insulation, especially those in chilly spots like basements, garages, or under the kitchen sink. Foam pipe covers are easy to find at DIY stores and are simple to fit yourself.
2. Fix Leaks Before They Freeze
Leaky taps or pipes might seem harmless now, but they can be a problem once it gets cold. When water leaks, it can freeze and expand, causing cracks in the pipe. Take a few minutes to check all taps and pipes around the house and use the Look and Listen test. Tighten up any loose fixtures, and if you discover you have a leak, try our new Leak Visit service and you could get small leaks fixed for FREE! Fixing them now will help avoid water loss and prevent costly repairs later!
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3. Clear Out Your Gutters
Fallen leaves, twigs, and dirt can clog up your gutters, stopping rainwater from flowing away. When it’s cold, any trapped water can freeze, making your gutters heavy and even causing them to crack. Cleaning out your gutters will help prevent damage to your roof and keep water flowing freely, even when winter storms roll in.
4. Keep Your Home Cosy and Warm with Draught Excluders
If you feel cold air sneaking in through gaps around doors or windows, it’s time to block those drafts! Draught excluders are easy solutions that keep the cold air out and the warm air in. If you don’t have a draught excluder, don’t worry, just roll up some blankets and they’ll do the same job. Plus, a warmer home means less heating, which saves on energy bills!
5. Know Where Your Stop Tap Is!
Do you know where your stop tap is? This is the tap that controls the water supply to your home, and knowing its location is key if a pipe bursts this winter. If that happens, you’ll want to turn it off quickly to stop water from leaking everywhere. It’s usually under the kitchen sink or in a cupboard, so make sure you know where it is before the winter chill sets in.
With these five simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to a winter-ready home. Not only will your house be snug and warm, but you’ll also avoid any big water problems. So, grab a mug of hot chocolate and get your home prepared – you’ll thank yourself when the cold snaps hit!
To get more winter tips, visit our Winter Readiness page and make sure your home is fully prepared for the season!