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Firstly, give your house a thorough winter check-up.
The Winter Watch Code advises homeowners to prepare for winter
before the cold weather arrives by:
| Lagging
all water pipes using 32mm lagging strips. |
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| Insulating
water tanks with 25mm of lagging on top and around the
sides - NOT underneath because this creates a cold atmosphere
in the loft making pipes more liable to freeze and burst. |
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| Finding
the stopcock and making sure it works. |
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| Repairing
dripping taps by fitting new washers. |
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| Checking
that loft insulation is adequate and in good condition.
Make sure that it has not been disturbed or damaged
since you last checked it. |
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| Checking
ventilators are clear of blockages in rooms where gas
appliances are used. |
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| Clearing
drains and gratings of leaves and blockages. |
If
you home will be empty overnight during the winter:
| Set
the central heating at its usual temperature and leave
it running continuously. |
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| If
there is no central heating, drain down the water system
and turn off at the mains. |
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| Open
the loft trap door to allow warm air to circulate helping
to prevent pipes and tanks freezing. |
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| Ask
a relative, neighbour or friend to visit the property
every day so that if a pipe does burst, it will be detected
quickly and any damage caused by escaping water can
be reduced. |
If you suffer a burst pipe, the following emergency
steps will help reduce damage From escaping water:
| Turn
the water off at the stopcock immediately. |
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| Switch
off the central heating system |
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| Turn
on all taps to drain the water system |
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| Move
furniture and property away from leaking pipes |
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| Collect
escaping water in containers |
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| If
attempting to thaw frozen pipes, only use gentle heat
like hot water bottles or towels soaked in warm water.
DO NOT use blowlamps or lighters. |
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| Make
sure that you keep your insurers' emergency helpline
number handy. Helpline staff can give immediate advice
including recommending local plumbers, and take claims
details. |
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