RETURNING TO A VACANT PROPERTY

If your home is empty for a month or more and water has not been used, then the quality will
deteriorate. This can lead to taste and odour problems and in extreme cases illness. It is
advisable therefore to completely flush your plumbing system through (both hot and cold water
pipes) if it has not been used for more than a month.

PREPARING FOR THE WINTER
These tips will help you to get through the winter:

KEY WATER TIPS:
• Fix any dripping taps or overflows - as a gentle trickle of water
can freeze and block the pipe
• Check that your internal stop tap is working by opening and
closing it (it is usually under the kitchen sink or in a downstairs
bathroom or cloakroom)
• Ensure that pipes in cold and draughty areas like roof spaces, outbuildings
and garages are well insulated
• Use waterproof insulation on all pipes exposed to the elements and ensure all lagging
is kept dry. Wet lagging is useless
• Remember to insulate any outside taps or turn them off at the internal stop tap
and leave the outside tap open to drain it.
• Ensure your central heating system is serviced regularly
• Keep your plumber’s contact details handy in case of an emergency.
• Ensure any storage tank in the roof space is adequately insulated around the sides
and on the cover.
• Don’t put insulation underneath the storage tank. Warm air from below will help
prevent the water from freezing.

BLUE WATER

Hot water tanks and most household pipes are made from copper. In very new buildings, or
buildings with new plumbing, small quantities of copper can dissolve into the water until a
natural protective layer builds up on the inside of the pipes. Usually this does not cause a
problem other than the risk of slight staining, especially with white baths and sinks.
However, sometimes the water can develop a blue tint if it has stood in contact with the pipes
for a long time. This problem should only last for a few days whilst the protective layer forms.
If it continues then you need to contact the house builder or a professionally qualified plumber.


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