Practical tips to prevent pipes from bursting
Here are some practical measures you can take to reduce your risks
Prevention is definitely better than cure when it comes to burst pipes.
• Use heat tape – there is a product called heat tape that can be installed and will warm pipes as needed during cold weather. Contact a plumber for more information
• Seal leaks – identify and seal any air leaks that allow cold air into your property where pipes are located, for example around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes
• Isolate the water supply to any outside taps with an internal shut-off valve – outside taps and associated pipework are always a problem in freezing weather
• Replace the washers on dripping taps – if they freeze the pipes will block
• Lag pipes and insulate – this will provide extra protection against frost. Pipes in unheated areas, including lofts and basements or those fixed to the inside of external walls are most at risk from freezing. Pipes should be lagged using insulating foam sleeving – the thinner the pipe the thicker the insulation should be
• Insulate old water storage tanks – although all new water storage tanks must be insulated, older ones will benefit from a hot water jacket. Take care not to place loft insulation directly under heater tanks though, as this stops heat rising from below
• Service your boiler and central heating system annually before winter – to prevent breakdowns during cold spells when it is working its hardest. For more detailed guidance, read our comprehensive guide, How to prepare your boiler for the winter months.
• Carry out routine maintenance on your water pump and bathroom fixtures – to prevent burst pipes due to water pressure. Carry out regular inspections of the pipes and associated plumbing so that you can identify problems early. Encourage your tenants to contact you immediately if they spot any issues, for example a blocked toilet
Although the increase in index linking is mainly due to inflation, it is considerably higher than inflation.
Be sure to share these tips with your tenants when they move in and during cold weather, to help minimise the risk of frozen and burst pipes in your rental property.
• Make sure tenants know where the stop cock is located and ask that they turn off the water mains at the stopcock if they are going to be leaving the property vacant
• Keep the heating on at a minimum temperature of 13°C when they are away. This will prevent temperatures dropping below freezing in any areas of the property where water pipes are located
• Leave cupboard doors under the kitchen sink and bathroom cabinets open to allow warm air to circulate
• Keep one or two taps running slowly for some time each day if it is extremely cold outside. Water moving through the system should prevent freezing and a build-up of pressure
• Encourage them to contact you immediately if they spot any issues such as a leak
• It’s also a good idea to provide your tenants with the details of an emergency plumber. This information could be shared in a welcome pack when they move in.
Being prepared for the winter months by carrying out regular maintenance and repairs, is key to preventing burst pipes. But it’s equally important to communicate clearly with tenants so that they know what to do to reduce risks too. Make sure tenants know to let you know immediately if they spot any problems, before they escalate. Most landlord insurance policies, including ours, require tenants to inform their landlord if the property is going to be vacant for an extended period, so make sure this is indicated in the tenancy agreement.
