You may be surprised at how many of us simply aren’t aware of the potential damage that a leaking pipe can cause to our homes. During the cold months, pipes are especially at risk of freezing which in turn can cause them to burst or split, usually at the most inconvenient of times and often when an emergency plumber is not readily available. So what can we do to prevent pipes from freezing?
It is highly recommended that all external pipes are lagged with insulation material, along with any pipes that are within your property in unheated areas such as cellars or lofts. Lagging can also keep heat within the pipes therefore can also have a positive impact upon the energy efficiency of your system.
Utilise the frost protection function if you have a modern thermostat, to ensure that it will automatically kick in if the temperature drops to a level that could potentially freeze the pipes. You don’t necessarily have to upgrade your boiler to have a new thermostat fitted, therefore if your boiler is still in good working order, perhaps it is time to consider how a new programmable room thermostat or even smart thermostat could make a difference to how you use your heating system.
Frozen condensate pipes can cause all sorts of havoc and can be a direct cause for your condensing boiler to shut off as a safety precaution. The Worcester Bosch Greenstar ErP boilers have an internal Condensesure siphon which provides a zero risk of the condensate pipe freezing during severe weather* which means a massively reduced risk of the boiler breaking down due to a blocked/frozen condensate pipe.
It is really important to know the location of the stop tap for water within the property. Should a pipe burst, then the water should be cut off as soon as possible to limit the damage that the excess water can potentially cause to your home. Check the stop tap regularly to ensure that it can easily be turned off in an emergency.
*The Condensesure Siphon has been proven to be effective at preventing frozen condensate at -15°C for a sustained period of 48 hours. 32mm pipework must be used and should not exceed 3 meters in length
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