Homeowners across Britain are being urged to take immediate action to protect their properties from potentially devastating winter damage. A simple oversight with garden equipment could lead to repair bills running into thousands of pounds.
The Hidden Danger in Your Garden
As temperatures begin to plummet, plumbing experts are issuing urgent warnings about the risks posed by outside taps. Many households remain unaware that leaving hoses connected during cold spells can cause catastrophic damage to both internal and external plumbing systems.
James Loder, Commercial Director at Homecure Plumbers, explains the severity of the situation: "When water freezes inside a connected hose, it expands with tremendous force. This pressure travels back through your pipes, often causing them to burst in hard-to-reach places like cavity walls or under floorboards."
Why This Winter Poses Greater Risks
Several factors make this winter particularly concerning for homeowners:
- Energy cost concerns leading to lower indoor temperatures
- Unpredictable weather patterns increasing freeze-thaw cycles
- Many new homeowners unaware of basic winter maintenance
"We've already seen early cases of pipe damage this season," Loder reports. "The average repair cost for burst pipe damage ranges from £2,500 to £7,000, depending on the extent of water damage and location of the burst."
Your Essential Winter Checklist
Protecting your home is simpler than you might think. Follow these crucial steps:
- Disconnect all garden hoses from outside taps immediately
- Drain hoses completely before storing them for winter
- Install an insulating cover on your outside tap
- Locate your stop tap and ensure everyone knows how to turn it off
- Consider lagging vulnerable pipes in unheated areas like lofts and garages
Loder emphasizes that prevention is always cheaper than cure: "Taking five minutes to disconnect your hose could save you thousands in repair costs and the immense stress of dealing with flood damage during the coldest months."
With weather forecasts predicting several cold snaps in the coming weeks, the time to act is now. Don't let a simple garden hose become your most expensive winter mistake.
