Heating expert says 98p item can help stop pipes freezing during Arctic blast

Temperatures have plummeted across the UK with the country now being hit by an Arctic blast. Millions of households woke up to a blanket of snow on Tuesday (November 19) with the wintry weather causing widespread disruption.

The Met Office has now issued three more snow warnings across the UK as the Arctic blast continues, with freezing cold temperatures here to stay.

As searches for "pipe insulation" have now skyrocketed by 110 percent in just one day, experts are warning that poorly insulated pipes could not only lead to freezing and leaks but also add up to £40 a year on top of your energy bills.

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Jess Steele, heating technology expert at online heating specialists BestHeating, is now sharing awareness of the common winter issues like frozen pipes and leaks, and how to prevent them - including a simple 98p purchase from a DIY store.

Avoid frozen pipes

One of the most common and costly issues caused by the drop in winter temperatures is frozen pipes. This is a big problem that not only leads to heating and hot water not working properly but also the freezing conditions can cause pipes to burst causing leaks and even flooding.

Jess says: “If you suspect your pipes are frozen the tell-tale signs to look out for include little to no water coming from taps or showers, exposed pipes appearing frosty or wet and damp patches on walls or ceilings.

"If you spot these signs turn the water off at the valve and run the remaining water to relieve the pressure. You should temporarily mend the pipe with heavy duty tape but always refer to a qualified plumber to fix the issue.”

Have your boiler serviced regularly

If the heating isn’t working efficiently, the cold spots in the system will be most vulnerable to the cold leading to the risk of burst pipes. Having the boiler serviced regularly is important to ensure it’s running efficiently and safely to keep the optimum temperature.

Jess says: “Having your boiler checked especially before winter is essential in preparing you for what the colder months might bring.”

Insulate water tanks and pipes

The easiest way to prevent damage to pipes and water tanks is by insulating them. Insulation is largely inexpensive and can be found in most DIY stores - such as in Screwfix for 98p a metre. Try your hand at fitting it yourself, just make sure to check the measurements of the pipes first.

Jess comments: “The key area to concentrate on is outside pipework where they are exposed to elements of the cold, don’t forget to cover bends, valves and fittings too. You should also consider pipes located in colder areas of your home like unused loft space where there is no warm air flow.”