How To Handle Frozen Pipes This Winter
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Winter walks, and hot chocolates by a warm fire – winter is certainly a beautiful season. However, plummeting temperatures can bring a plethora of problems to your home, especially when it comes to keeping it heated.
In the UK, one of the major issues you might gave at this time of year is the threat of frozen pipes. No one wants to wake up one frosty morning to discover a lack of heating and running water, but the real nightmare begins when frozen pipes succumb to pressure and burst. Here are some of the signs your pipes might be at risk of freezing and bursting, and advice on how to solve the problem.
When you’re not using water, your pipes still have water in them. When the temperatures drop low enough – to 0˚C – the water in them will freeze. As the ice then expands and takes up more space in the pipe, it can push any remaining liquid water to the taps. The build-up of pressure between the ice and the liquid water can cause a pipe to rupture and split.
Some of the main reasons why pipes can freeze include:
The first and most obvious sign is that you’ll have no water flowing or just a trickle when you turn on your taps. You might also find that you can’t flush the toilet, your boiler won’t work or it’s making gurgling noises. If you suspect a frozen pipe, don’t panic—there are steps you can take to prevent it from bursting.
A burst pipe may not be as conspicuous as a flooded kitchen. But a gradual leak, if left unattended, can inflict significant harm to your home and electrical systems. Here’s how to identify a burst pipe:
You need to act quickly to stop the flow of water and prevent any or further damage. Follow these steps:
If you find your pipes have burst, Metro Plumb can assist. We have depots throughout the UK and we have experienced plumbers available 24/7. Contact the team today on 0808 250 9949 or make an enquiry here.