The simple mistakes you make when it comes to pipes freezing – and how to avoid it as cold weather hits the UK

THERE are simple mistakes you can make in cold weather that could result in your pipes freezing and cause expensive damage to your home.

Brits been urged to protect their homes this winter to avoid floods and water damage as the temperature plummets.

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Experts said people should take immediate action to make sure their pipes don’t burst due to the cold.

The UK has already been battered by two storms this winter and temperatures are set to drop further, with frost gripping the country by Christmas.

Nearly a quarter don’t take any recommended measures to protect their pipes and get their boilers services less than once a year.

This leaves homes vulnerable to flooding and water damage due to “freeze thaw”, which is when pipes crack as the water freezes and then melts rapidly.

But there are steps you can take to protect your pipes and avoid expensive damage to your home.

These are the top mistakes people make that could result in frozen pipes or floods this winter – and how to fix them.

Don’t know where the stop tap is

Research by Water UK shows 33% of the public wouldn’t be able to find their stop gap in an emergency.

That’s the small tap on a pipe that cuts off the water supply to prevent flooding.

If your pipes crack it’s important that you know how to switch off the water – otherwise it could cause expensive damage to your house.

You can usually find the stop tap under your kitchen sink, but it can also be found in these places:

• Kitchen cupboard
• Downstairs bathroom or toilet
• Garage or utility room
• Cellar
• Under the stairs

If you can’t find it, it could be worth asking your neighbours as its likely that similar homes will have the stop tap fitted in the same place.

Don’t get their boilers serviced regularly

According to the Water UK survey, 23% of respondents service their boiler less than the recommended once a year.

Regularly getting your boiler serviced can help prevent frozen pipes, as a broken one won’t be able to keep the water in the system warm.

There’s no set price for how much a boiler service should cost and it will depend on its age, where you live, which firm you use and what repairs are needed.

Don’t insulate the pipes

One of the most important things to do to avoid frozen pipes is to make sure they’re kept warm.

You can buy and install your own insulation – or lagging – which should prevent ice infiltrating your pipes.

Peter Jenkins, director of campaigns at Water UK said: “We all want to be warm and cosy over the winter months and not have to worry about our pipes freezing or our central heating packing up.

“Simple things like bleeding your radiator, getting your boiler serviced and lagging your pipes can help you and your family enjoy a trouble-free season.

“We know things are still difficult for many people and there’s lots of help available from your water company. If you are worried about paying your bills or in need of advice, then get in touch with your water company.”

That includes lagging your pipes, servicing your boiler regularly and clearing out your gutters.

The Sun previously spoke to Pimlico Plumbers worker Phoebe Brooks who shared her top tips for avoiding your pipes freezing.

One of the most important steps is to protect your pipes from plummeting temperatures by keeping them insulated.

You can buy insulation materials to wrap around your pipes yourself – it’s stocked at most DIY stores.

Another suggestion is to regularly turn your taps on while you’re at home.

If you go away over the winter, consider leaving your heating on low so your pipes don’t get too cold.

And don’t forget about hidden pipes that you might not see all the time, as they’re more likely to be in colder spots such as outside or in the loft.

Will Lang, head of civil contingencies at the Met Office said: “Whatever the outlook for winter each year, there can always be periods of warmer or colder weather as well as wetter and drier weather.

“This variability makes it really important to take some simple steps to prepare our homes and businesses for whatever the weather may bring so we don’t get caught out.”

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk