If the temperature drops, frozen pipes may occur (Image: Getty)
Ice and snow warnings are in place across the UK and the coldest nights of the winter are forecast for this week.
Every winter, households struggle with frozen or burst pipes, which occur when the water inside them expands due to freezing temperatures.
Pipes that are not insulated, not maintained, or exposed to cold, such as: B. Pipes outdoors or in basements are also more likely to freeze.
With this in mind, Yell has worked with plumbing and homeowner experts to give you advice on how to avoid internal or external damage – and what heating checks you need to carry out.
David Doran, plumbing expert at Blackstone Plumbing & Heating Ltd, says that while it's “tempting to turn up the heating on particularly cool days”, there is a setting you should set the thermostat to.
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He recommends a temperature between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius as the ideal temperature.
Setting the thermostat to at least 18°C will keep the pipes warm and ensure the temperature is not too low to prevent your pipes from freezing, he said.
Many modern central heating systems feature an “antifreeze” mode that keeps your home above freezing while using minimal energy.
A plumber shared the ideal temperature (Image: Getty)
If you're planning on traveling in the winter or limiting your heating usage, David also advises not turning the heat off completely.
When sleeping or when the house is empty, it is recommended to lower the temperature to around 15-17°C (59-63°F).
This saves additional energy and at the same time prevents the house from getting too cold. Alternatively, you can schedule regular heating intervals throughout the day to ensure the pipes stay warm and reduce the risk of freezing.
How to prevent pipe bursts
Insulate your pipes
To avoid burst pipes and costly water damage, insulate your pipes – especially exterior pipes – before temperatures drop. Look for insulation materials (also called insulation materials) that are at least 5mm thick.
Insulate any exposed or vulnerable pipes, especially in areas such as the roof space, attic, or locations exposed to extreme cold. This additional protection reduces the risk of freezing and bursting.
You can insulate pipes and faucets using DIY kits. If you are unsure, hire a professional plumber to handle it safely and effectively.
Angela Kerr, director and editor at HomeOwners Alliance, recommends using “UL-listed heat tape or foam rubber insulation to prevent freezing.”
Service the boiler regularly
Make sure your boiler is serviced regularly to keep it in optimal working condition, which will help maintain consistent heating throughout your home. David recommends having your boiler serviced annually to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Regular maintenance checks for leaks, clogs and safe equipment functionality to prevent problems such as gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning.
It also improves efficiency and saves on energy costs, while many warranties and insurance policies also require annual maintenance.
If there are leaks, locate the stopcock
The stopcock is the shut-off valve for your water supply. This is important if you are dealing with a cracked pipe to prevent water damage.
It is usually located under the sink, but can also be in the bathroom, hallway, or basement. If you're not sure where your device is, taking the time to find it now is smart emergency preparedness. If necessary, turn it clockwise to stop the water flow.
Angela said: “If cold weather causes a burst pipe, you need to know how to turn off your water supply quickly. So you need to know where your stopcock is. You can usually find it under the kitchen sink.”
Disasters can be prevented by acting early. However, if you have an urgent problem, contact a 24-hour emergency plumber for help.
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