How to prevent burst pipes in cold weather?

Cold weather spells can put your home at risk of burst pipes. Burst pipes happen when water freezes inside pipes causing them to expand and crack. When the ice thaws water escapes through the cracks.

Landlords are responsible for repair and maintenance of pipe work and will need to carry out the necessary repairs. However, by this time extensive damage may have been caused to belongings. To minimise the risk of burst pipes follow these simple guidelines:

• Make sure that you know where your stopcock is located and also make sure that it works.
• Ensure that heating is left on at around 15 degrees when you are out of the property.
• Open your loft hatch to allow warm air into the loft
• eport any dripping taps to your landlord which risk becoming frozen if the temperature drops.

If you are away from the property for more than a few days consider draining down the central heating system but only do this after seeking professional advice.

If pipe bursts carry out the following:-

• Turn off the water at the stopcock
• Switch off the central heating to avoid further damage
• Turn on all taps in the property to drain the system. Also, flush the toilet.
• Turn off the electrics if there is water leaking near to the electrical installations.
• Contact your landlord without delay to report this to the repairs department.

If your landlord delays in carrying out repairs you may be able to bring a claim.

* Disclaimer: The information on the Anthony Gold website is for general information only and reflects the position at the date of publication. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be treated as such. It is provided without any representations or warranties, express or implied.*