How to guard against frost

Cold weather can cause problems in your home, like frozen pipes. Here’s how to stay safe and avoid damage.

Before it gets cold

Keep your home warm

Let warm air move around your home

Know where your stop valve is (this turns off the water)

If you leave your home empty during cold weather, protect it from burst pipes

When you come back home

Turn the stop valve back on

Check your taps – water should flow normally

If your heating is on but radiators are cold:

• Check the timer and pilot light
• If it still doesn’t work, call us: 01255 686477

If you get a frozen pipe

Turn off the water at the stop valve

Turn off your immersion heater

Turn off all taps

Call us: 01255 686477

Never use a flame to thaw pipes

If you have a burst pipe

Turn off the water at the stop valve

Turn on all taps to drain the system

Find where the water is coming from

Use a container to catch leaks

Call us before turning the water back on

If water is coming through a light fitting, don’t turn it on – call us right away

Watch our video below for advice about frozen pipes