Whilst most of us were dreaming of having a white Christmas a few weeks ago, the sudden freeze has reminded us that it's no fun being cold.
For many householders freezing temperatures will cause havoc with their plumbing and heating systems, which may result in burst pipes costing hundreds, even thousands, of pounds worth of damage. More importantly, it will leave some families without heat or hot water at the coldest time of the year.
The Chartered Institute of and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) gives the following advice to help householders avoid a plumbing emergency.
- Make sure you know the location of, and have labelled, the stop-valve on the incoming water supply main (otherwise known as a stop-cock).
- Locate, identify and label all other stop-valves, periodically checking that they are working correctly. Make sure you know the location of any drain valves by which you can empty your water and central heating systems once the source of heat has been extinguished.
- Ensure that all exposed pipes and storage systems are properly insulated, particularly in the roof space or attic. In very cold weather take special care to prevent water pipes becoming frozen. If you have a storage cistern in the roof space it will be sensible to open the hatch to allow some heat from the house to help keep the cistern from freezing. Inspect your cold water storage system (tank) regularly and, if it is metal, make sure it is not corroding. Call in your plumber if there is any sign of a problem.
- Check the condition of flexible hosepipes to plumbed-in domestic appliances at regular intervals. Dripping taps and ball-valves are a sure sign that your plumbing system requires maintenance. To avoid them becoming major problems call in your plumber without delay.
- Have central heating boilers and other heating appliances serviced regularly (the CIPHE advises yearly servicing). If you are going away on a winter’s holiday, leave the thermostat set low to help prevent pipes from freezing. And do check your insurance policy to see if you have to comply with any directives. Senior Technical Officer, Danny Davis, adds the following warning. "It is important for householders to choose plumbers and heating engineers who will carry out work, professionally, competently and responsibly. Rogue installers may promise to do the job cheaper, but in the long run it could prove to be very expensive if the work is non compliant and remedial work is necessary."
For a list of professionals in your area, please visit www.ciphe.org.uk or ring 01708 472791, Monday to Friday - 9am - 5pm.
ENDS (337 WORDS) JANUARY 2009 The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering is the UK's professional and technical body for plumbing and heating professionals. It is a registered educational charity with around 12,400 members who are competent in plumbing and heating engineering via formal qualifications or extensive experience and abide by a Code of Professional Standards. The principal aim of the CIPHE is to raise the Safety and Health aspects of plumbing and heating in the perception of the public.
For more information on this press release or the CIPHE, please contact Carol Cannavan on 01708 463114 (direct line), fax: 01708 448987 or email: carolc@ciphe.org.uk. Images are available with this press release.