22 Dec

Misery to Tenants and Landlords this Winter

Misery to Tenants and Landlords this Winter

 imple steps, such as lagging exposed pipes, could prevent escape of water and the damage and misery this may cause. Advise your tenants and landlords to take precautions and practise what you preach.

Before the freezing weather starts:

  1. If you leave your home unattended, leave the heating on low (around 15oC);
     
  2. Know where the water shut-off valve (stopcock) is so that the supply can be isolated in an emergency;
     
  3. Lag pipes in the loft and check that the header and water tanks are insulated;
     
  4. Lag outside water taps to prevent them freezing and pipes bursting;
     
  5. In severe cold weather, open the loft hatch to warm the void;
     
  6. Plastic plumbing joints will probably degrade sooner than metal ones, so keep an eye out for the first sign of water;
     
  7. If you are going to be away for an extended period, consider draining down your plumbing and heating system, but please do so after taking professional advice.

Before high winds and stormy weather hit:

  1. Regularly check the condition of all roofs.  In particular, check garage, shed and flat roofs for signs of wear and tear. This is of particular importance in heavy snow with the unexpected additional weight;
     
  2. Keep gutters, gullies and drains clear so they can carry water away quickly and efficiently;
     
  3. A blocked downpipe with trapped rainwater may crack or shatter in freezing conditions;
     
  4. Consider cutting back low-hanging tree branches which could cause damage in high winds.

Prevention is better than cure!