The damage caused by a frozen pipe that’s ruptured can be catastrophic and extremely costly. The good news is that there are some simple steps you can take to help better protect your pipes for when the cold weather hits.

Know how to turn off your water supply
This might be a simple one but one that’s often overlooked. Take a minute today to be sure of how to turn off your water supply so that when freezing conditions hit you can act quickly. When the temperatures drop or even if you’re just planning on being away from your home for more than a few days, it might be good idea to turn off your home’s water supply.

Take care of your boiler condensate pipe
Most modern gas boilers use condensing technology to increase their efficiency. The boiler condensate pipe is the pipe that allows water to be drained from your heating system and disposed of with your household waste water. This pipe may be connected to your waste water system internally. However, there are situations where this is not possible and instead the pipe will be fitted externally, leaving it vulnerable to freezing in extremely low temperatures or during prolonged cold spells.

The condensate pipe is relatively easy to find. It will be the only white plastic pipe on the wall outside from where your boiler is.

It’s already frozen?
The first sign that your boiler condensate pipe is frozen is usually that you don’t have heating or hot water. You may also hear a gurgling sound coming from your boiler.

How can I prevent a frozen boiler condensate pipe?

• Insulate your condensate pipe. This is something that you can easily do yourself. Be sure to use waterproof lagging, otherwise you may increase the risk of your condensate pipe freezing rather than preventing it.
• Alternatively, talk to a registered gas installer about moving the condensate pipe internally, so that it never falls below room temperature.

If you think your condensate pipes are frozen you can try these tips:

• Pour some warm water (not boiling) over the parts of pipe that are frozen.
• If that doesn’t work you may also try using a hot water bottle.

Be wary of slippery surfaces outside in cold weather, especially around the condensate pipe.

How can I minimise risk of frozen pipes?
Although damage to pipes is done when they freeze, the burst only becomes obvious when the pipe starts to thaw. This burst can lead to flooding. The damage caused by flooding in your home can cost a lot to fix, not to mention distress. These simple tips cost little to put in place but could make all the difference.

Insulate, insulate, insulate
Wrap up pipes, water tanks and cisterns with insulation. Especially in unheated areas like attics, outbuildings and under floor spaces. Use a good quality foam lagging.

Tap check
Even the smallest trickle of water can freeze and completely block a pipe.

If you are going away, consider leaving your heating on low, or turn the water supply off at the stopcock and drain the system. Make sure you know where your stopcock is.

Get the temperature right
When the temperatures drop outside, it’s important to pay attention to the thermostat inside. Keeping your home above five degrees Celsius on your thermostat can help prevent pipes freezing.

What to do if your pipes or tanks are already frozen?
We’re sorry this is the case, but these small tips might help prevent a frozen pipe situation going from bad to worse.

• Turn off the water at the mains stop cock
• Remove any furniture or equipment from the area before you start to thaw the system out
• Gently warm frozen pipes with a hairdryer or hot water bottle

If a pipe or tank should burst, turn off the water at the main stopcock immediately, switch off all central heating and other water heating. Let the water in the system drain out by turning on all the taps and then call in a professional plumber to make the repairs.

If you still need expert help or essential work carried out, we’re always here to help. Bord Gáis Energy have been helping customers keep their boilers running smoothly and homes cosy for over 30 years. And we now offer much more than just boiler service and repair services, so please visit our new service hub to find out more.