Many of us experience the misfortune of having to call an emergency plumber out in winter for various reasons. Boiler services, boiler break downs and frozen pipes are the main reasons for emergency call outs for an experienced plumber in the winter, but with some forward planning you can avoid these and save yourself the time and expense of calling out an emergency plumber.

DIY boiler and gas repairs are not an option because anything to do with gas or boilers by law can only be carried out by a Gas Safe registered central heating engineer or plumber. If your problem is to do with boiler services or breakdowns then you will have to call a plumber but burst pipes are quite often inexpensive and easy to prevent by following a few simple steps.

A burst pipe starts if your pipes freeze. The water expands when it freezes causing pressure inside the pipes that can cause a split in them. When the water defrosts as the temperature rises, the water then escapes causing damp problems and water damage to ceilings, walls, decor and potentially the furniture in your home. Take the following steps to reduce the likelihood of frozen pipes or bursts in your home this winter:

1. Leave any cupboard doors under your sink or around pipework in the kitchen open to allow the warm air of your home to circulate and heat the pipes.
2. Let the cold and hot water taps drip slowly so the water circulates and does not have time to freeze in the pipes.
3. Insulate any exposed pipes on the outside of the house or that run through roof spaces that can get cold with lagging to protect them from the cold.
4. Apply heat tape to pipes. This is electrical wire that heats up preventing frozen pipes.
5. Use expanding foam on any open gaps in doors floors or windows to further prevent cold air and drafts entering.

Also if you plan on going on holiday or visiting family, or have a second home, for extra protection in the winter you may want to get the water in your central heating system professionally drained down to prevent damage or need to call out a plumber. Anything you do to prevent frozen pipes is cheaper and better than incurring emergency call out charges from a plumber, but if you do have problems this winter, localtraders.com can find the professional tradesman for you.

Related posts:

1. How To Prevent and Solve The Problem of Burst Water Pipes
2. The Importance of Regular Boiler Servicing
3. Tips For Landlords: Gas and Electricity Maintenance and Repairs
4. Winter Is Well and Truly Here
5. Insulating Your Home to Prevent Drafts and Cut Energy Bills