January 2007
The big freeze?
You never know where you are with weather in the UK. One minute it’s mild and weather forecasters are heatedly discussing global warming and the next it’s snowing. Over the next week experts have warned that Arctic conditions are on the way, with temperatures as low as –12C°.
For many householders freezing temperatures will cause havoc with their plumbing and heating systems, which may result in burst pipes costing hundreds, even thousands, of pounds worth of damage. More importantly, it will leave some families without heat or hot water at the coldest time of the year.
The Institute of and Heating Engineering (IPHE) gives the following advice to help householders avoid a plumbing emergency.
- Make sure you know the location of, and have labelled, the stop-valve on the incoming water supply main (otherwise known as a stop-cock).
- Locate, identify and label all other stop-valves, periodically checking that they are working correctly.
- Make sure you know the location of any drain valves by which you can empty your water and central heating systems once the source of heat has been extinguished.
- Ensure that all exposed pipes and storage system are properly insulated, particularly in the roof space or attic.
- In very cold weather take special care to prevent water pipes becoming frozen. If you have a storage cistern in the roof space it will be sensible to open the hatch to allow some heat from the house to help keep the cistern from freezing.
- Inspect your cold water storage system (tank) regularly and, if it is metal, make sure it is not corroding. Call in your plumber if there is any sign of a problem.
- Check the condition of flexible hosepipes to plumbed-in domestic appliances at regular intervals.
- Dripping taps and ball-valves are a sure sign that your plumbing system requires maintenance. To avoid them becoming major problems call in your plumber without delay.
- Have central heating boilers and other heating appliances serviced regularly (the IPHE advises yearly servicing).
- If you are going away on a winter’s holiday, leave the thermostat set low to help prevent pipes from freezing.
The Technical Director, Dale Courtman, adds the following warning. “It is important for householders to choose plumbers and heating engineers who will carry out work, professionally, competently and responsibly. Rogue installers may promise to do the job cheaper, but in the long run it could prove to be very expensive if the work is non compliant and remedial work is necessary.”
For a list of Registered Plumbers in your area, please visit www.iphe.org.uk or ring 01708 472791, Monday to Friday – 9am – 5pm.
ENDS (443 WORDS)
JANUARY 2007
