Preventing damage to your pipes is always easier and more cost effective than repairing any damage that might occur. We spoke to South London Heating Ltd, the 2015 Which? Trusted trader of the year for their advice. South London Heating's Mark Gallagher told us: 'Leaks could weaken the structural integrity of the walls, could cause damage to electrical equipment and ruin carpets and furnishings'. If you're unlikely enough to be faced with a burst pipe, you’ll need to act fast to minimize any damage. 

Check our article on how to deal with a burst pipe for tips.

If you need help with your plumbing system, Which? Trusted Traders has endorsed plumbers in your local area.

Burst pipe prevention tips

So how do you prevent a burst pipe in the first place? Follow South London Heating Ltd's top tips and this should help your pipework stay in good working order:

  • ensure your boiler has been serviced – you’ll need to service your boiler annually for optimum performance
  • keep the temperature constant, pipes that expand and contract because of extremes of temperature are more likely to develop cracks or faults. 
  • minimise draughts from outside and close doors and windows to any unheated parts of the property
  • if you have tanks or pipes in the roof space, open the loft hatch to allow warm air to circulate
  • leave the heating on low when you are away and get a friend or neighbour to check the property regularly
  • keep your home as warm as possible, even if you are out
  • ensure that all taps are turned off properly, especially last thing at night
  • repair any dripping taps and don’t forget to insulate outside taps in your garden or garage (or turn off the water supply to them altogether)
  • know where your internal stop/tap valve is and how to turn it off
  • check that all pipes exposed to cold and draughty environments such as lofts are properly lagged (have an insulating coat put on around them).

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