Frozen Pipe Prevention
When temperatures drop below 0°C, water in exposed pipes can freeze and expand, cracking the pipe from the inside. The damage often isn't visible until the ice thaws — then you get a flood. Prevention is always cheaper than repair.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Loft, garage, and external pipes are most vulnerable. Foam lagging costs pennies and prevents thousands in damage.
Keep Heating On Low
If you're away, set your heating to at least 12°C. A cold house is an invitation for frozen pipes.
Know Your Stopcock
If a pipe bursts, you need to turn off the water fast. Find your stopcock now — usually under the kitchen sink.
Dripping Taps = Warning
If a tap slows to a drip in cold weather, a pipe may be partially frozen. Act before it freezes completely.
If a Pipe Bursts — Do This Immediately
- 1Turn off the stopcockUsually under the kitchen sink. Turn clockwise to shut off the water supply.
- 2Turn off the heatingIf the leak is near electrics, switch off at the consumer unit (fuse box).
- 3Open all cold tapsThis drains the system faster and reduces water pressure at the burst.
- 4Collect the waterBuckets, towels, anything. Minimise damage to floors and ceilings.
- 5Call George07376 641877 — available for emergency callouts across Dartford & Kent.
Boiler Breakdown Checklist
Before calling an engineer, try these quick checks:
- Check the pressure gauge — if below 1 bar, repressurise using the filling loop
- Check the thermostat — make sure it's set above room temperature
- Check the timer — is it set to the right schedule?
- Reset the boiler — most have a reset button (check your manual)
- Check for error codes — note any flashing lights or codes on the display
- Check the gas supply — are other gas appliances working?
Still not working? Call George on 07376 641877 — most boiler issues can be diagnosed and fixed the same day.