Dealing with frozen water pipes at home during the winter season can be quite a nuisance. Not only does it cause a great deal of discomfort, but it wastes a lot of time and and money that can be spent elsewhere. However, there are certain precautions you can take to stop this from happening. For example, there are many mistakes that home-owners often make when at home. Some people do not leave the heating on when they leave their homes for lengthy periods of time. It is advisable to not turn the heating off completely when you go away for a few days or longer. The best things to do is to keep the heating on a low temperature. This way the heat will protect the pipes from freezing. Ensure that everyone in the house abides by this too in order to keep the house insulated.

Insulating your pipes

Insulating your pipes is a good preventative measure to stop them from freezing. This is particularly applicable to pipes that are below the home, as they are more exposed to freezing temperatures. A solid layer of insulation will work in protecting them. You should check with you local DIY store for all the necessary materials. If you are unsure on how to insulate yourself, it may be a good idea to call a professional to help you. This may be more cost-effective rather than risking a frozen pipe bursting. Inside your house, you can take steps to leaving doors open so that the heat can reach the pipes.

What to do with a leaking pipe

You should also be wary of leaking pipes. If you have one, you should fix it as soon as possible, as leaking pipes are usually a good indication that they will burst soon. This is especially the case when the pipes are exposed to freezing temperatures. In order to save on cost, it is best for you to fix the problem as soon as possible. If you notice one leaking, get hold of a disposable diaper or a towel and wrap it around the leak. However, as this is a temporary solution to the problem, you should call a plumber to come and properly fix the problem. The towel or disposable diaper will only contain the leak for an hour or so.

What to do with a burst pipe

Unfortunately if it has reached this stage, you will have to turn the water off and call the plumber. Ensure that you turn off the water as quickly as possible to avoid the amount of flooding in the house. If there are any electrical appliances around, turn them off first, then the water. Ensure that everyone gets away from the water. You should put on water-proof clothing, such as boots and remove any form of object away from the water. This will not only ensure that your important items stay protected, but it will also help your plumber manoeuvre his way around the water.

If the flooding is particularly bad, you may have to find alternative accommodation. It would help to check your insurance policy to see if your costs will be covered. You should also leave the windows and drawers open to aid the drying process.