Dealing with frozen water pipes at home can be very frustrating. This is particularly the case in the winter months when the pipes are exposed to freezing temperatures. It is discomforting for everyone at home, and can be time-consuming. However, if you take certain precautions, or spot some vital signs that a pipe is about to burst, you can stop the pipe from bursting. For instance, you may find yourself turning the heating off for long periods of time when you leave the house, or not keeping your pipes insulated. These are mistakes that could prove costly. The best thing to do when you leave the house for a few days is to still keep your heating on but just at a low temperature. The heat will help prevent the pipes from freezing.

You should keep your pipes insulated

Another important measure is to ensure that your pipes stay insulated. You should be particularly worried about pipes that are outside the home as they are more exposed to freezing temperatures. You can prevent them from freezing if you insulate them in a solid manner. If you are unsure on which materials to buy, it is advisable to check with your local DIY store or to even ask a professional. This is less expensive then risking a frozen pipe bursting later.

Spotting a leaking pipe

Once you spot a leaking pipe, you should be as wary as possible. This is because leaking pipes usually indicate that they are about to burst soon. It is essential that you fix the problem as soon as possible. As a temporary fix, you should try to get hold of a towel or even a disposable diaper and place it on the leak. You will need to call a plumber to properly fix the leak, as the disposable diaper or towel will only hold the leak for an hour or so.

Bursting pipe

Regrettably in some cases you may have tried your best to stop the pipe from bursting, but it went and burst anyway. The first step you should take if this happens is to turn the water off and call the plumber. You will need to make sure that the water is turned off completely so that you limit the flooding in the house. You should take particular care if there are any electrical appliances lying around. Get your household members away from the water. If you have water-protective clothing - wear it. Remove any items away from the water. This will stop your possessions from getting ruined. It will also help your plumber in moving around.

If the flooding is quite extensive, you may need to consider finding alternative accommodation. The best thing to do is to check your insurance policy to check if your costs will be covered. You should also leave the windows and drawers open to aid the drying process.