PLANNING A WINTER BREAK? HOW TO AVOID A BURST PIPE
If you’re planning to be away from home this winter, whether for a quick break visiting relatives or a holiday abroad, what steps should you take to avoid a burst pipe? Sound advice comes from the Heating Helpline (http://www.heatinghelpline.org.uk).
7 December 2011 – Planning to be away over the festive period, going skiing or escaping abroad for some winter sun? Whether for just a few days or longer, how can you make sure a pipe doesn’t burst if there’s a cold snap yet avoid paying out for unnecessary energy consumption? Here are some tips from the Heating Helpline (http://www.heatinghelpline.org.uk) – the free advice service for homeowners and tenants operated by the Heating and Ventilating Contractors’ Association (HVCA).
- Don’t be tempted to turn off your heating altogether – cold weather can wreak havoc on water pipes so it’s best to keep your heating on low – around 10º C / 50º F.
- If you haven’t already got one, consider having a programmable thermostat fitted – these give you complete control over your heating and usually have a holiday setting – this means your heating can come back on to normal setting the day before you come home so you don't return to a cold house.
- Make sure pipes are all insulated with preformed insulation.
- Replace washers on dripping taps because if the taps freeze the pipe will become blocked.
- If you’re leaving house keys with a friend or neighbour make sure they know where your inside stop valve is and check that it is working. They will need to get to it quickly if a pipe has burst.
- Leave the loft door open to let the heat from downstairs circulate.
- Insulate outside taps or turn them off at the stop tap or drain them before you go away.
- Fix any dripping taps or overflows. A build-up of ice can cause a blockage.
The Heating Helpline provides consumers with free, impartial advice on every aspect of home heating. For more information contact the Heating Helpline on 0800 840 4069 or visit their website: http://www.heatinghelpline.org.uk.
Ends
Issued on behalf of the HVCA by Next Step Marketing Ltd
Media enquiries to: Heather Lambert
Tel: 44(0)1256 472020
Fax: 44(0)1256 471010
E-mail: heather@nextstepmarketing.co.uk
Notes to Editors
Established in 1904, the HVCA is the premier organisation representing central heating contractors across the UK, and exists to promote fair dealing and the sound installation of heating systems. HVCA members all undergo third-party inspection and assessment of their technical competence and commercial capability every three years. This process is carried out by an independent certification body with an established industry reputation. HVCA members who undertake gas installations are registered with Gas Safe – the gas safety watchdog body – and are also members of TrustMark, the Government-endorsed scheme designed to direct customers towards reliable tradespeople. HVCA operates the Heating Helpline (http://www.heatinghelpline.org.uk) to provide consumers with free, impartial advice on every aspect of home heating.
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