Winter maintenance
During the spell of severe weather, 28 November 2010 to 4
January 2011, our Repairs Centre handled 10,879 phone calls. This
obviously leads to a lot of pressure on the service. You can reduce
the chance that you'll be one of the callers by following a few
simple tips.
Winter maintenance
Sustained periods of cold weather can cause damage to your
home.
The most likely cause is if household pipes freeze up and burst
causing water damage. There are some simple measures you can take
to reduce risks, and which may prevent you and your family needing
emergency accommodation.
- Check you know how to use the heating system properly, and also
where your stop valves are. If you don't know, phone the Repairs
Centre and ask.
- Keep the heat in - fit draught proofing, insulate your home and
lag your pipes.
- Keep your heating on overnight at a low temperature so pipes
won't freeze - simply turn your thermostat down to 15 degrees
Celsius.
- Swift repairs to dripping taps and ball valves can help to
prevent freezing pipes, as can salt placed in the waste traps of
sinks, baths, basins and WCs. Always ensure taps are fully off to
avoid waste pipes freezing.
- If you are leaving your house unoccupied for more than a few
days in winter, ask the Repairs Centre to turn off the water and
drain the plumbing. Leave keys with a trusted friend/neighbour and,
if you leave your heating on while you are away, ensure pre-payment
meters have enough credit.
If pipes freeze
- If pipes become frozen, and are part of the hot water
system, turn off or extinguish the source of heat (immersion
heater, gas boiler, coal fire back boiler).
- Turn off the supply at the stop valve.
- Before attempting to thaw the pipe, remove or protect anything
that may be damaged by a burst.
- Gently heat the frozen section of pipe using a fan heater,
hairdryer, hot water bottle or heated cloths wrapped round the
pipe.
If your pipes burst
- Turn off the water at the main stop valve in the house, turn on
the taps, switch off the boiler, and switch off the immersion or
water heating systems (extinguish your coal fire if you use a back
boiler).
- Turn off the electrical supply.
- Contact the Repairs Centre on 0845 30 11 110.
- Warn neighbours if they are likely to be affected.
- If water is coming through the ceiling, collect it in buckets
and move items likely to be damaged.
If you fail to take reasonable precautions to prevent burst
pipes, you may be held responsible for the damage caused to the
property. Your neighbours might also have a claim against you for
any damage to their property and contents.
Perth & Kinross Council's insurance provides cover for
the structure and fittings owned by us, this does not cover your
contents, including carpets and interior decoration.
In the event of a burst pipe Council tenants should contact the
Repairs Centre on 0845 30 11 110.
