Our top tips to get your home ready for Autumn:
Clear your drains
Whilst slow drainage can be frustrating a larger blockage can result in water backing up in your drains. Leading to flooding which can damage your garden or property.
The quickest and easiest way to make sure your drains are operating at peak efficiency is quite simply, to clean them! Remove any leaves, mud or other debris from the grate and guttering to stop any potential freezing, and blocking, of your drain
Quick guide for protecting your pipes
Repair any drips or leaks
At the end of summer it pays to take a trip around your property, inspecting while taps or amenities are flowing, to see if there are any leakages in your property.
If you find any, patch them up using a patch kit. If the pipe services your heating or water mains, you should use the services of a professional – repairing these with DIY kits can be dangerous.
Insulate
Insulation is one of the best ways in which to guard against frost damage, and isn’t as expensive a measure as you might initially imagine. Any pipes, drains, cisterns and other water-containing structures should be drained for winter if they are not going to be in use, while those that are should be insulated – it’ll save you from freeze-induced headaches and will have the additional benefit of reducing your energy expenditure.
Circular insulation can be quickly and easily wrapped around any at-risk piping, and is available from any good DIY store. Also be aware that heat tape or cable can be a cheaper, easier option for insulation, especially when the pipes are thinner than regular polyethylene would surround. Take a look around your home during the first cooler parts of autumn. If the temperature seems below the mean, insulate!
Quick guide to putting lagging on your pipes
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.
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