How to Prepare Your Home for Winter: Protect Your Pipes and Avoid Frozen or Burst Pipes

It’s important to take steps to protect your home from the cold weather, especially when it comes to your water pipes. Here are some simple ways to prepare your home for winter and avoid the nightmare of frozen or burst pipes.

Protect Your Pipes and Taps

Exposed pipes and taps are vulnerable to freezing and bursting in cold weather. Focus on areas like outdoor pipes, garages, or lofts, which are more likely to be affected.

An affordable solution is to insulate your pipes with pipe lagging, available from your local DIY store. Many water providers offer free lagging kits or tap jackets, so check with your supplier to see if you're eligible.

Locate Your Stop Tap

The stop tap (or stopcock) controls the water supply to your home. In the event of a burst pipe, turning off the stop tap quickly can help minimise water damage and prevent high water bills.

In most homes, the stop tap can be found under the kitchen sink, but it might also be located in places like a cupboard, utility room, bathroom, or cellar. To shut off your water supply, turn the stop tap clockwise. It might take a few minutes for the water to completely stop. If the tap isn’t working, contact a registered plumber.

Check for Leaks

Leaks waste water and can lead to pipes freezing in winter. Keep an eye out for signs of leaks, such as a sudden increase in your water bill, a drop in water pressure, or damp patches on the floor.

You can follow guides, like Wessex Water’s easy video tutorial, to check for leaks around your home.

Additional Winter Tips for Your Home

Here are a few more tips to help keep your home warm and safe during winter, while also saving energy:

  • Set your heating to a low temperature when you’re away to prevent freezing pipes.

  • Use an outdoor tap cover to keep your outdoor tap from freezing.

  • Insulate your loft and use draught excluders to keep warmth in and cold out.

  • Schedule a boiler service to ensure your heating system is running safely and efficiently.

  • Bleed your radiators to make sure they’re heating your home effectively.

  • Clean out gutters to prevent blockages and water damage to your roof and walls.

If you are struggling with water bills or the impact of winter on your finances, United Utilities Trust Fund can help. Visit their website for more information on how they can assist you.

Milen Kolev