Take Care Of Your Drains & Pipework This New Year

Tips for Drainage Care to Avoid Disaster

• Frozen pipes are perhaps the most common plumbing and drainage care problem over the colder months, as the expansion of icy water internally can lead to cracks and faults. Leaving your heating on a low temperature overnight and when out of the house (around 12°C – 15°C) is an effective way of ensuring that water remains flowing through the system and cannot freeze.
• Insulation can also help in this respect, especially for pipework in roof spaces or attics, protecting from freezing as well as improving efficiency of the system.
• If water has already frozen within your pipes, use only gentle methods to defrost – such as towels soaked in warm water – as turning on the central heating may cause cracking from internal expansion.
• In severely cold weather, grease and oil can harden in your drains, leading to blockages and backing up the system. Pouring boiling or hot water down them can often remove light obstructions.
• Knowing where the stopcock on your plumbing system is located, and ensuring that it remains accessible and in full working order, is vital in the case of an emergency. Turning off the water before it is allowed to flood your house and damage your flooring and possessions will save you thousands in repair costs.