Tips on how to avoid your boiler breaking in freezing weather

During freezing weather conditions boiler heating systems are at a higher risk of breaking as pipes can freeze.

When a drain pipe freezes, waste liquid can sometimes travel back up to the boiler, causing it to cut out.

Here are some tips on how to reduce the risk of damage to your heating system.

• Insulate boiler pipes with lagging, preparing them for icy weather (including the corners)- Put lagging on pipes that may be outside- Ensure your loft insulation is thick enough, it should be approximately 10 inches thick- Ensure your home is insulated

• Make sure you know where your stopcock is and ensure you can turn it on and off.- Make sure your boiler is serviced by a Gas Safe professional- If you are away from home for a few days, keep your heating on constant on a low level (around 15 degrees)

• If you are away for a longer length of time and wish to save money, shut down the system completely, turning off all the mains stopcocks, drain pipes, toilets and radiators.-If your pipes do freeze, turn the water off, drain the system and leave the taps open.