Winter plumbing advice
As the temperatures drop it can cause all kinds of trouble for your home plumbing system, just at the time of year when you’re relying on your heating system more than ever.
The Problem
Frozen Pipes
Whether it is frozen pipes leading to a drop in water pressure or malfunctioning radiators, one thing you don’t need during winter is being as cold in the home as you would be outside.
Luckily, there are a number of measures you can take to try and reduce problems with your bathroom plumbing.
The Solution
Health & Safety Messages
This video has been produced for information only. It offers you basic advice to do the job yourself but in order to prevent harm to yourself or damage to equipment or property, please ensure you use the correct tools and suitable personal protective equipment. If you have any concerns please do not hesitate in contacting one of our professional engineers.
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes can be an absolute nightmare in the winter and are one of the biggest reasons that our customers need to call out an emergency plumber. Frozen water puts pressure on pipes, causing them to split and break, resulting in a leak that can cause a huge amount of damage to the electrics and basic structure of your home. One of the first signs that your pipes are freezing will be restricted water flow, indicating a drop in water pressure. It’s a good idea to keep an eye out for any changes in water flow during the colder months. You can prevent frozen pipes by ensuring that all drafts in the home are minimised, even in those areas that are particularly hard to reach. It can also be a good idea to use some sort of insulation, such as electrical heating tape, to protect pipes. If your pipes do become frozen, take a look at our advice on how to tackle the situation.
Radiators
If your radiators aren’t functioning properly or there is uneven heat distribution, then you’ll probably need to try bleeding it. Bleeding a radiator removes any pockets of air that become trapped in the piping and allows the hot water to circulate better through the system. You can bleed your radiators at home yourself. For instructions on how to do this take a look at our how to guide.
Drains
Putting cooking oil and fat down the drain is always potentially damaging to your pipes. Grease and oil stick to the pipes and tend to build up and clog, collecting pieces of food debris and waste along the way. Over the winter months, when we are cooking large meals for friends and family, this problem is particularly severe. Try to minimise the amount of food waste that goes down the sink in order to keep the plumbing healthy.
Speak to Dyno Plumbing
If you do find yourself with a drainage issue over the winter months, you can give us a call at Dyno-Rod and we’ll be able to send one of our qualified plumbers to help you solve the problem, making sure that you and your family stay warm and healthy this winter.
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