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How to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting in the winter

Frozen water pipes can burst in cold weather – leading to damage, repair costs and stress. Preventing your pipes from freezing can help you avoid this.

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Why do frozen pipes burst?

If your pipes get too cold, they can freeze and water may stop flowing through them.

Water expands when it freezes. If it has nowhere to go, it pushes against your pipes and can cause them to crack and burst. You might not realise straight away, but when the ice melts, water will leak from the burst and could damage your home or possessions.

Repairing a burst and replacing damaged furniture, decorations or belongings can be costly.

Fortunately, protecting your pipes from freezing and avoiding burst pipes is not. You just need to wrap them in a cheap, foam tubing called lagging.

 A residential street on a snowy winter's day

Preparing your home for winter

As well as protecting your pipes and preventing them from freezing, there are other things you can do to prepare for winter.

To help keep your home warm and safe during the cold weather, read our top tips for getting winter-ready.

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