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Know where your stop tap is
It is essential to know whereyour stop tap is before you need to use it. The stop tap controls the supply ofwater to your house. In the event of a leak, the stop tap allows you to turnoff the mains water supply. Most stop taps can be found under the sink or inthe garage where the mains water supply is. If it is not in either of theseplaces and you have a storage tank, it may be somewhere nearby. Try looking inthe airing cupboard or the loft if you have one.
Some houses are also fitted witha drain tap that allows you to drain the pipes after you have turned the stoptap off.
Insulate tanks and pipes
The cold winter months can causeproblems for your tanks and pipes. Insulating your tanks and pipes could notonly save you money on your energy bills but also help the environment. Insulateyour hot and cold water tanks with a ready-made tank jacket. You can buy one atmost DIY stores. If you're not sure where your cold water tank is, have a lookin the loft (if you have one).
To prevent pipes from freezing,keep your central heating at a constant temperature in all your rooms. Ifyou are going out or away for a few days, keep the heating turned down low sothat you don't come home to frozen pipes. Check to see if your pipes havemodern or rubber insulation. If not, it would pay to upgrade them.
What to do if your pipes freeze
Before you start defrosting yourpipes, check for signs of splitting. If your pipes are fine, open up all thetaps in your house. You can thaw the pipes using an electric fan heater or ahairdryer. Do not in any circumstance use a naked flame.
If your pipes have split or yourcentral heating system has frozen, it's time to call a plumber.
Keep draughts out
Draughts can make you and yourpipes feel the cold. The most common places where draughts sneak in are throughfloors, skirting boards, doors and letterboxes. You can stop draughts withdouble-glazing, draught excluding tape and/or draught excluders.
Check your boiler
Have your boiler checked on aregular basis. It is also a good idea to have it serviced before winter. Ifyour existing boiler has seen better days, think about replacing it with acondensing boiler that helps save energy.
No more drips
Dripping taps are a waste of water.In the winter months, dripping taps could freeze in your waste pipe causing aflood in your home. Ensure that you turn your taps off properly when you havefinished using them. If the drip persists, a washer may have come loose. Youcan replace it yourself as it is a straightforward DIY job.
What to do in the event of a burst pipe or flood
Before you start franticallysearching for a plumber, turn off your stop tap and waste tap (if you haveone). Then call a plumber. If yourelectrical fittings are wet, call an electrician to come and inspect them.
Most home insurance policiescover flooding, leaks and burst pipes. Check with your insurer exactly what youare covered for and how much cover you have. For a home insurance quote andmore information about the types of home insurance available from Churchill,visit .
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