Burst Pipe and Water Damage

Winter seasons come and go but winter 2009 was one to remember, storms, flooding, burst water pipes, escape of water. In 2010, Ireland experienced its coldest winter in more than 65 years and sadly we are to expect similar trends in the future. Homes with water tanks, including hot and cold water pipes which are not properly lagged are susceptible to damage caused by escape of water or bust water pipes. Unfortunately we cannot change the weather but we can take steps to prevent the escape of water or burst pipes. With this in mind, we urge you to consider the following recommendations:

Checklist on protecting your property over the winter months

• All water pipes/tanks within the hot press, attic area and boiler should be insulated in order to prevent frost damage
  
  
• The ball valves on all water tanks and cisterns should be inspected yearly and replaced if found defective
  
  
• The water tanks should be inspected yearly by a registered/insured plumber and replaced if found defective
  
  
• The water tanks should be protected with approved PVC covers for health related reasons
  
  
• The water tanks should be adequately insulated to current building regulations
  
  
• The mains water should be turned off and all domestic systems drained down wherever the property is left vacant
  
  
• Any recessed light fittings projecting into the attic or ceilings should be protected with fire rated light covers
  
  
• The insulation within the entire attic area should be upgraded to 300mm [12”] where possible
  
  
• The area beneath the water storage tanks should not be insulated
  
  
• An insulation skirt extending to the floor of the attic around the base of the water tank is recommended
  
  
• A frost stat with a permanent power supply should be fitted to the central heating boiler [very important]
  
  
• Your central heating boiler should be fitted with a remote sensing fire safety shut-off valve
  
  
• Your central heating boiler should be serviced annually in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines
  
  
• Check the oil tank to make sure there is sufficient oil to maintain your central heating over the winter months
  
  
• An approved frost stat attic heater should be permanently secured to the attic area and wired to current regulations. The above works should only be carried out by registered contractors who furnish written confirmation of their insurance, together with copies of their respective safety statements on request.

We hope this is to your satisfaction and should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us. Glenview Heating can provide you with a winter frost check service. Contact us today for more details.