With freezing temperatures expected across North Yorkshire in the coming weeks, now is a good time to check your plumbing is in good order. This will ensure your pipes are well prepared to handle any dramatic fluctuations in temperature and help to prevent bursts as temperatures rise again.
As we all know, water expands as it freezes and this applies pressure to pipes from the inside. With a few basic precautions, this is easy to prepare for and prevent, which will help us all to save money in the long run.
The most cost effective way is to insulate your pipes using cheap lagging on tank jackets from DIY shops, but if this is not an option you can target especially exposed pipes and tanks (i.e. outside or in attics and garages) using towels, blankets or spare garden fleece.
Maintaining a warm airflow around the house can also help, and this is particularly important to consider if you are going to be away from home. Keeping your thermostat on low (British Gas recommends 7°C minimum) will make sure enough heat is generated internally to stop pipes freezing, and keeping windows shut and blocking draughty gaps will also help you to keep things constant.