The winter months can take their toll on drainage pipes. As temperatures drops, the water in them freezes, expands and causes pipes to crack or burst.

This leads to leaks, issues with waterflow and, if left unrepaired, damage to your property.

Although we are currently experiencing unseasonably mild conditions, winter is approaching and the cold will eventually catch up with us. So now is the time to act because prevention is usually better than cure.

Practical steps for protecting pipes in winter

  • Where possible, drain water from outdoor pipes that won’t be used over the winter. If you have outdoor appliances, it’s also good to make sure they don’t have any water resting in them throughout the winter.
  • Keep drains clear, so that water can clear and isn’t left sitting. Remove leaves, mud and other fallen vegetation and objects, anything that prevents flow and stops drains from doing their job properly.
  • Insulate pipes, fitting them with a sleeve that wraps around them to help maintain the temperature around the pipes. Any pipes in cold areas of a property or exposed to the outside air, should be insulated because they will be the ones most affected by low temperatures.
  • While fuel costs are high, we are cautious about how much fuel we use, but a properly heated home helps to prevent pipes from freezing. The ambient temperature doesn’t have to be high, but some heating will help. This is also worth keeping in mind if you plan to leave your property unoccupied during the winter months.
  • Fix dripping taps to prevent slow moving water travelling through your pipes. This tends to freeze more quickly.

As we said, prevention is better than cure but if you do suffer from damaged pipes this winter, you can still call our 24-hour emergency service for a rapid response and professional repair service.

Need help with blocked drains or sewers?

If you would like to talk to Drains and Sewer Services about ensuring your pipes, drains and gutters are ready for each change in the seasons, then call us on 01252 312738 or email info@drainandsewer.co.uk.