Get ready for Autumn

As with any plumbing, pipes and drains can often feel the adverse effects of plummeting winter temperatures and snapping frosty periods. If not dealt with prior to cold weather, pipes and drains can quickly turn from part of the scenery into a burgeoning headache, cracking, bursting and causing reduced flow rates, potentially ruining your property in the process.

With these issues in mind, here’s how can you guard against the harsh effects of winter.

Easy steps to protect your pipes and drains

As water freezes, it expands. It’s a simple rule that means whatever the material containing it, sub-zero temperatures can easily exact a toll. Pipes and drains are no exception, and homeowners must take special care with those that lie outside – outdoor taps, swimming pool hoses, water sprinkler apparatus and pipes that exist in areas of the house that aren’t heated such as garages, outhouses and attics. Preparing pipes for cold spells isn’t difficult though, and there are a number of easy steps you can take.

Latent heating

One of the easiest ways you can prevent frost damage in your home, especially if you have undertaken the previous steps but still want to err on the side of caution, is to keep your heating on at a low level throughout the winter months. This actually shouldn’t result in a higher heating bill as stop-start periods of heating and sudden cooling will require more energy than a steady, lukewarm state.

Be draught-aware

Small gaps between masonry or under doorways – particularly in the garage – can quickly cool down and freeze any at-risk pipes in the home. Plug these up using insulation, wood or plastic, although don’t extend this to any exterior vents such as those connected to the heating system unless you don’t plan on using said appliance over the winter.

Clear drain grates

The quickest and easiest way to make sure your drains are operating at peak efficiency over the cooler months is, quite simply, to clean them! Remove any leaves, mud or other detritus from the grate to stop any potential freezing, and blocking, of your drains.

Install drain protection

If the leaves are still falling and you want to make sure that no errant material makes its way in to your drains, think about purchasing a drain protector formed out of a non-freeze plastic. Keeping your home guarded against frozen water damage isn’t as difficult as you might initially imagine, and a vigilant approach means no regrets during the chilliest time of the year!