With temperatures dropping below freezing this week and weather warnings issued for ice and low temperatures, we are now in the time of year when household pipes are at increased risk of freezing.
Experts warn that a sharp dip in temperature – a common occurrence in January – could leave many families facing costly callouts and repairs during one of the busiest times of the year for plumbing issues.
Energia, one of Ireland’s leading energy providers, says many homes in Galway are still making simple but avoidable mistakes when it comes to protecting their plumbing during cold snaps.
Robert Stringer, energy efficiency expert at Energia, explains the key steps to ensure your water pipes are not at risk of freezing and, potentially, bursting.
Keep your home gently heated
In a bid to keep bills low, many households switch their heating off completely overnight or when leaving the house. However, this can lead to even bigger costs later down the line.
When temperatures plummet below zero, particularly in unheated spots like lofts and under-sink cupboards, any water inside your pipes can freeze and expand. This pressure builds quickly and can cause pipes to crack or burst.
Rather than switching off your heating completely when you don’t need it, maintain a low, steady temperature throughout the day and night. Even if you are away from home for an extended period, it is important to have the heating coming on a few times a day to keep a low, continuous heat.
This small amount of background heat is enough to prevent freezing and could save you hundreds in repair costs later on.
Ensure exposed pipes are insulated
Pipes in unheated areas such as attics and garages are always the first to freeze. Without proper insulation, they’re fully exposed to icy air, which makes them far more vulnerable during a cold spell.
Even a brief dip below zero can freeze pipes that aren’t insulated, particularly if there is standing water inside them.
Adding insulation is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to protect your home. Fitting foam tubing or pipe wrap around any exposed pipes helps them retain heat and creates a barrier against freezing temperatures.
This speedy and inexpensive fix can prevent major damage later down the road.
Allow warm air to circulate around indoor pipes
Leave cabinet doors open where pipes sit behind cupboards, such as in kitchens and bathrooms.
When the doors are kept shut, warm air is unable to reach those pipes, and the temperature inside these enclosed spaces can drop very quickly on cold nights.
Allow warm air to circulate to help prevent your pipes from freezing.
Keep water flowing during severe cold
On nights where frost is forecast, many people don’t realise that completely shutting off taps can leave pipes vulnerable to freezing.
Keep a slight flow going to help prevent freezing and lower pressure in the pipes.
How to know when it’s cold enough for pipes to freeze
Pipes start to freeze when the temperature outside hits 0°C or below. A simple way to judge it is to look out for frost on cars or roofs. If you can see frost, it’s cold enough to pose a risk to your pipes.
Keep an eye on Met Éireann updates too. If there is a Status Yellow or Orange warning for low temperatures or ice, it’s a clear sign you should start taking protective measures.
With a recent Status Yellow warning issued for ice and low temperatures across the country, households should be especially careful this month, and take extra precautions.
