Winter is fast approaching, which unfortunately means we are coming into bursting pipe season!

Frozen Pipes are one of the main issues that we as builders encounter throughout the colder months, especially on new builds and construction sites. And, if not found, they can cause significant amounts of damage to not only the building itself but also the area around it.

It comes at no surprise to anyone that here in the UK our weather and temperatures are more than just temperamental. One minute we could be out in the garden in just shorts and a t-shirt, and then the next minute it’s chucking it down, and we’ve had to put several layers on. These sudden temperature drops can cause water from within pipes to expand, and in turn, creates such a pressure on the inner walls of the pipe that cause it to burst.

Your best bet is to:

This is the most foolproof way of preventing burst pipes.

You can do this by placing pipes within wall structures to expose them to warmer indoor climates. 

You can also insulate your pipes with pipe lagging which also helps to keep the pipes warm.

It is also worth considering burying pipes below the frost lines in areas where you know they experience harsh winters.

Unfortunately, there are times where you cannot heat your pipes or put in pipe lagging due to lack of space which can therefore make frozen pipes inevitable.

In this case, aim to allow enough space for the water to expand and reduce the internal pressure. For example, you can do this by draining taps slightly so that the outstanding water has room to expand, or, for an even shorter-term solution, you can consider leaving taps on. If water continues to move through the pipes (even the slowest of trickles!) then it is likely to help prevent freezing.

Cherry Tree Construction are a team of highly-trained builders based across Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex with years of experience under their belt. Contact them today on 07887 921313 or email enquiries@cherrytreeconstruction.co.uk for a free, no-obligation quote.