Every winter, the cold weather doesn’t just pose a threat to you; it can also cause serious problems for your home. Unfortunately it sometimes feels like your heating system is just waiting all year for winter to arrive before it decides to pack up. There are all kinds of winter heating emergencies that homeowners face and below you’ll discover exactly what can go wrong and why it is important to be prepared.

Frozen pipes – A simple problem that isn’t so simple to fix

Frozen pipes are one of the most common problems homeowners face in the winter months. It can cause serious issues in the home, including burst pipes. As temperatures can drop pretty quickly in Northern VA, it’s extremely important to be prepared for this potential problem. So what exactly can you do to prevent it?

Ensuring the water tank is well insulated is the first thing you should do. However, be careful not to insulate underneath the water tank if it is located in the loft. If you do, you will stop warm air being able to get up to the tank and this could lead to freezing.

Another thing that you should do as early as possible is get any dripping taps fixed. If left, they can contribute towards frozen pipes.

If you’re planning on going away for a few days, ensure the heating is set to come on at low temperatures at least once in the morning and once at night. It is also a good idea to have the boiler serviced to check that everything is working as it should.

Did you know that you can also cause your water. pipes to freeze if you leave your windows open? Many people don’t realize that having the windows open in winter can lead to such serious problems. If left open for long periods of time, the pipes can freeze and then possibly even rupture.

What if something does go wrong?

Sometimes you can do everything you can to avoid frozen water pipes. However, it won’t always work. If your pipes burst then it is very important to seek professional help straight away. Before you do anything however, make sure you turn off the boiler and your water’s stop tap.

Place a bucket under the pipe that has burst and make use of thick towels to soak up any water that has leaked. Be sure to turn off any electrical items and remove any plugs that you suspect could have water in them. Next turn your taps on and flush the toilet. This may seem like a strange thing to do but it will help to drain the system. Once it has drained, switch off the taps.

After following the steps above, contact a professional plumber. At Service Specialties Inc, we can help fix your burst pipes quickly and professionally. We offer competitive prices and will ensure you get your home back to the way it was without breaking the bank.

Overall frozen and burst pipes can be a nightmare in the winter months. It really can help to save money and eliminate stress if you are prepared for the worst.