3 Simple Ways To Maintain Your Home Plumbing In Winter

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Published: Tuesday, 27 February 2018 15:36

Winter is here, and as UK weather experts predict a cold and wet winter season due to La Niña, homeowners across the country will be gearing up to protect their homes against the effects of the freezing temperatures. While most are doing active steps to keep their home warm for the season, very few think about their plumbing and how the cold air and snow can affect their faucets and pipes. Ensuring that your plumbing is in good working order throughout the cold months can help make the chilly weather more bearable and prevent expensive repairs in the future. Here are 3 simple ways to maintain your home plumbing this winter season.

Never pour grease down the drain

One of the worst things that could happen to your plumbing system in winter is having a blockage that could lead to sewage overflow. This is why you should never pour grease down the kitchen drain as it can quickly solidify and destroy your pipes. This is especially true in winter, as the cold weather can cause grease to form into chunks of solid fat. Back in 2013, a 10-tonne fatberg caused a lot of damage in London’s water piping system, and it cost Thames Water a whopping £400,000 to take care of the damage. Disposing or recycling grease properly can help keep your plumbing working well in winter.

Keep the cold air out of your home

Another easy way to prevent plumbing problems in winter is to keep the cold air from seeping into your home. Seal the gaps under the doors with some adhesive foam weather stripping to keep the chilly air out. You can also use thick curtains to keep your home warm and make DIY draft stoppers as a budget-friendly way to keep your home cosy and your plumbing in good condition throughout the season.

Fix leaks

Like they say, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Fix small leaks before the weather turns freezing cold. The tiniest drip or crack in your pipes can cause major damage to your plumbing as the problem can spread to other connecting pipes. Once you’ve taken care of minor leaks, keep your pipes warm by using spray insulation to protect pipes from freezing.

Ensuring that your pipes are in good condition helps to prevent further damage and costly repairs this winter season. Follow these tips to keep your home plumbing in good working order during the cold months. For major repairs and clogs, consult a professional.