I'm a boiler installation expert - here is how to make sure your pipes don't freeze over the upcoming holiday season

A cold, harsh winter can be disheartening for a number of different reasons, offering no chance to stay outdoors for an extended period and precious little time to see actual daylight. 

Resisting the temptation to turn the central heating on can be tricky, as you layer yourself beneath a bundle of blankets to conserve as much warmth as possible. 

These are measures you might have to turn to if your boiler breaks, but what are the best ways to stop your pipes from freezing over?

With winter setting in, boiler installation experts BOXT have shared what you need to do to prepare your pipes this winter. 

Here are their top tips to make sure you have a steady supply of heating. 

Maintain adequate heating

The most important tip is to maintain your heating whilst you are away. 

With the home empty it can be tempting to turn the heating off completely, however, if the temperatures are low during this period, and the heating is off, then it is likely that the pipes will freeze. 

Boiler company BOXT recommends setting your thermostat to at least 10°C to keep the pipes warm enough to prevent them from cracking or bursting. 

If you have a smart thermostat, you can control when the heating comes on from your phone, so you can adjust according to the temperature.

Insulate your pipes

In rooms that are unheated, like cellars and basements, or where there are exposed pipes, adding insulation is a good way to help prevent any freezing and cracking of the pipes. 

This is also known as pipe lagging, and can be done with either insulation sleeves or foam pipe wrap.

Andy Kerr, founder of BOXT, said: 'We are approaching the time of year when the temperatures drop and the festive season begins. 

'This is a time when many may find themselves away visiting relatives or even chasing some winter sun. 

'When you spend time away from home during the winter months it is always important to prepare your property, especially the pipes, as they can be susceptible to freezing when the weather is really cold, which can cause extensive damage.'

Isolate the mains water at the stop tap if you go away

If you plan to venture on holiday during colder times of the year it's a good idea to turn off your mains stop tap and open up the lowest sink or bath tap to relieve the initial pressure on the pipework. 

You should also make sure to turn the bath or sink tap off and leave the stop tap off. 

This will limit any issues with pipes freezing, cracking or unwanted leaks whilst you are away.

Ask a neighbour or friend to help

If you are away for a long period of time, it's worth asking a trusty neighbour or a friend who lives nearby to occasionally check in on your home, to ensure that the heating is on and functioning properly. 

This is also a good way to check for any signs of a water leak so that actions can be taken in a timely manner if a pipe has burst.

Mr Kerr added: 'When the temperature hits freezing, any water in the pipes may also freeze. 

'Water expands when it freezes, which could lead to the pipe cracking or even bursting. If a pipe bursts it will release all the water it was holding into your home, which if left or not resolved quickly enough can cause extensive water damage to the surroundings. 

'The aftermath of this is often expensive, and so implementing preventative measures before you head off on your holiday is vital.'