Frozen Water Pipes
Most people fail to realise the importance of protecting their pipes during the winter season. A frozen water pipe can be a nuisance. It especially becomes more of a nuisance once it is realised that preventive measures could have been taken to avoid the pipes from freezing. There are many mistakes that household owners make during the winter months. Some make the mistake of turning their heating off completely when they go on a short holiday. It is not good to turn the heating off completely when you go away for a few days. You should keep the heating on, but at a low temperature. The heating will work to keep the pipes from freezing. You should ensure that everyone else in the house is aware of this also.
Insulating your pipes as a preventative measure
Insulating your pipes is very important to stop them from freezing. Pipes that are below the house are particularly exposed to freezing temperatures, and therefore more at risk from bursting. If you provide a solid layer of insulation, then this will work in protecting them. It is advisable to check with you local DIY store for all the necessary materials and equipment. You may not be sure which materials to purchase. If this is the case, you may want to call a professional to help you. It would be better for you to spend a minimal amount here rather than spending more on a frozen pipe bursting.
Leaking pipe
Once you spot a leaking pipe, you should be as wary as possible. This is because leaking pipes usually indicate that they are about to burst soon. It is essential that you fix the problem as soon as possible. As a temporary fix, you should try to get hold of a towel or even a disposable diaper and place it on the leak. You will need to call a plumber to properly fix the leak, as the disposable diaper or towel will only hold the leak for an hour or so.
What to do with a burst pipe
Regrettably in some cases you may have tried your best to stop the pipe from bursting, but it went and burst anyway. The first step you should take if this happens is to turn the water off and call the plumber. You will need to make sure that the water is turned off completely so that you limit the flooding in the house. You should take particular care if there are any electrical appliances lying around. Get your household members away from the water. If you have water-protective clothing - wear it. Remove any items away from the water. This will stop your possessions from getting ruined. It will also help your plumber in moving around.
If the flooding is quite extensive, you may need to consider finding alternative accommodation. The best thing to do is to check your insurance policy to check if your costs will be covered. You should also leave the windows and drawers open to aid the drying process.
Insulating your pipes as a preventative measure
Insulating your pipes is very important to stop them from freezing. Pipes that are below the house are particularly exposed to freezing temperatures, and therefore more at risk from bursting. If you provide a solid layer of insulation, then this will work in protecting them. It is advisable to check with you local DIY store for all the necessary materials and equipment. You may not be sure which materials to purchase. If this is the case, you may want to call a professional to help you. It would be better for you to spend a minimal amount here rather than spending more on a frozen pipe bursting.
Leaking pipe
Once you spot a leaking pipe, you should be as wary as possible. This is because leaking pipes usually indicate that they are about to burst soon. It is essential that you fix the problem as soon as possible. As a temporary fix, you should try to get hold of a towel or even a disposable diaper and place it on the leak. You will need to call a plumber to properly fix the leak, as the disposable diaper or towel will only hold the leak for an hour or so.
What to do with a burst pipe
Regrettably in some cases you may have tried your best to stop the pipe from bursting, but it went and burst anyway. The first step you should take if this happens is to turn the water off and call the plumber. You will need to make sure that the water is turned off completely so that you limit the flooding in the house. You should take particular care if there are any electrical appliances lying around. Get your household members away from the water. If you have water-protective clothing - wear it. Remove any items away from the water. This will stop your possessions from getting ruined. It will also help your plumber in moving around.
If the flooding is quite extensive, you may need to consider finding alternative accommodation. The best thing to do is to check your insurance policy to check if your costs will be covered. You should also leave the windows and drawers open to aid the drying process.
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