When temperatures drop and freezing weather sets in, your home’s heating system faces some real challenges. Frozen pipes, inefficient boilers, and unexpected breakdowns can all turn a cold snap into a homeowner’s nightmare. If you want to keep your heating running smoothly and avoid costly repairs, a little preparation goes a long way. For those in need of expert advice or a reliable boiler service in Bognor Regis, we’re here to help. In this guide, we’ll outline the key steps to protect your pipes and boiler during freezing conditions.
Why Do Pipes and Boilers Freeze in Cold Weather?
When temperatures plummet, the water inside your pipes can freeze, causing it to expand. This puts pressure on the pipe walls, leading to cracks or even bursts that can result in water damage. Your boiler can also be affected by extreme cold, particularly the condensate pipe (a common issue in modern condensing boilers). If this pipe freezes, the boiler may shut down, leaving you without heating or hot water when you need it most.
Protecting your pipes and boiler isn’t just about comfort – it’s also about preventing costly emergency repairs.
Top Tips to Protect Your Pipes and Boiler
1. Insulate Your Pipes
One of the most effective ways to prevent pipes from freezing is to insulate them. Focus on pipes in unheated areas such as lofts, garages, basements, or exterior walls. Foam pipe lagging is affordable, easy to install, and makes a huge difference.
Make sure you don’t overlook your boiler’s condensate pipe, especially if it runs outside. Insulating this pipe can stop it from freezing and causing your boiler to shut down.
2. Keep Your Heating On
Leaving your heating on low during a cold spell can help prevent pipes from freezing. It may feel counterintuitive to use energy, but the cost of running your heating at a low temperature is far less than dealing with burst pipes or a broken boiler.
If you’re away from home, set your thermostat to a minimum of 12-15°C to keep everything ticking over.
3. Bleed Your Radiators
Trapped air in your radiators can cause uneven heating, making your boiler work harder and less efficiently. Bleeding your radiators ensures hot water circulates properly, keeping your home warm and reducing strain on your heating system.
If you’re unsure how to do this, a professional boiler service can help get your system working at full efficiency.
4. Check Your Boiler Pressure
Low boiler pressure can affect the performance of your heating system and leave your home colder than it should be. Check the pressure gauge on your boiler – it should read between 1 and 1.5 bar. If the pressure is too low, you may need to top it up.
If your boiler keeps losing pressure, it could indicate a leak or other issue, so it’s best to call in a qualified engineer.
5. Leave Internal Doors Open
Opening cupboard doors under sinks and leaving internal doors open helps warm air circulate throughout your home. This keeps pipes, especially those on exterior walls, warmer and reduces the risk of freezing.
6. Locate Your Stopcock
In case of an emergency, knowing where your stopcock (main water valve) is located is crucial. If a pipe does burst, turning off the water supply quickly will minimise damage. Typically, the stopcock can be found under the kitchen sink, in a utility room, or near where the water mains enter your home.
7. Schedule a Boiler Service
The best way to ensure your boiler is ready for winter is with an annual service. A professional engineer will check for faults, clean internal components, and ensure your heating system is operating safely and efficiently.
If you’re in need of a boiler service in Bognor Regis or the surrounding area, T Griffin Plumbing and Heating is here to help.
What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze
Despite your best efforts, pipes can still freeze in severe weather. If you suspect a frozen pipe:
- Turn off the water supply at the stopcock.
- Gently warm the pipe using a hot water bottle, warm towels, or a hairdryer on a low setting. Never use an open flame or boiling water, as this can damage the pipe.
- Call a professional if you can’t locate the blockage or if the pipe has burst.
If your boiler’s condensate pipe freezes, you may see an error code or hear gurgling sounds. Safely thaw the pipe with warm water or call an engineer to resolve the issue.
Stay Warm and Safe This Winter
Cold weather can be tough on your heating system, but a little preparation will help you avoid unnecessary stress and repairs. By insulating your pipes, keeping your heating on, and scheduling a professional boiler service, you can keep your home warm and your boiler running smoothly all winter long.
At T Griffin Plumbing and Heating, we offer expert boiler services, repairs, and maintenance to homeowners in Bognor Regis and surrounding areas. Whether you need help with frozen pipes, a boiler fault, or a general service, our team of Gas Safe registered engineers is here to assist.
Don’t wait for the freeze to catch you out – contact us today to book your boiler service or discuss your heating needs!
Keep your pipes protected, your boiler working, and your winter worry-free with T Griffin Plumbing and Heating.
