During the Winter when temperatures can drop to freezing or below, it is possible that water pipes can freeze, resulting in burst or cracked pipes.
Water expands as it freezes, pressurising the pipe from the inside out. Whether the pipe can withstand that pressure is dependent on factors such as type, shape, age, and condition of the pipe, as well as the volume of frozen water inside it.
Prevention
Programming the boiler appropriately can help to prevent pipes freezing, by ensuring that the internal temperature is consistent and never drops too low. This can be done with a thermostat, and is particularly useful for times when the heating is off for long periods, such as when the household is going away.
Providing extra protection, such as pipe insulation, can also help. This is particularly useful in areas prone to cold, such as basements, garages, and outdoor spaces.
Keep an eye on boiler pressure and be sure that your boiler is properly maintained and serviced. When pipes freeze, it increases the internal pressure. The installation of a pressure relief valve can also help by draining excess water from the system.
Pipe Protectors
Pipe protectors are one of the easiest, most cost effective means of helping to prevent frozen and burst pipes.
Suppliers of pipe protectors such as www.meterbox.co.uk/pipe-protectors can provide high quality, long lasting solutions to protect all kinds of pipes.
By carefully planning ahead, you can minimise the risk of frozen and burst pipes before the cold weather sets in.
