Preparing Your Plumbing for North Devon Winters: Essential Tips

As winter arrives in North Devon, it’s important for homeowners in areas like South Molton, Barnstaple, and Winkleigh to take proactive steps in protecting their plumbing and heating systems. Freezing temperatures can lead to frozen pipes, boiler issues, and unwanted repair costs—but a bit of preparation goes a long way.

1. Insulate Your Pipes

Why it matters:
Pipes in lofts, garages, and external walls are vulnerable to freezing, which can cause them to burst.

How to protect them:

• Wrap foam lagging around exposed pipes.

• Pay close attention to outdoor taps and plumbing in colder areas of the home.

• Insulate water tanks, especially in older properties or rural homes.

2. Service Your Boiler

Why it matters:
Boiler issues are common during winter and often strike at the worst time. Annual servicing ensures your heating is reliable, efficient, and safe.

Benefits for Different Boiler Types:

Gas Boilers:

• Prevents dangerous issues like carbon monoxide leaks.

• Maintains energy efficiency to keep heating bills manageable.

• Catches minor faults before they become costly.

LPG Boilers:

• Ensures the burner is burning cleanly for maximum performance.

• Optimizes fuel use and extends the system’s lifespan.

• Ideal for rural homes in areas without a mains gas connection.

Oil Boilers:

• Prevents soot and sludge build-up that can damage internal components.

• Keeps the boiler running smoothly through heavy winter use.

• Reduces the chance of breakdowns in hard-to-reach areas.

3. Locate and Test Your Stopcock

Why it matters:
In an emergency, like a burst pipe, you’ll need to shut off your water supply immediately.

What to do:

• Identify where your main stopcock is located.

• Make sure it turns freely.

• Show all household members how to turn it off quickly.

4. Keep Your Home Warm (Even When You’re Away)

Why it matters:
Leaving your home completely unheated in winter can allow pipes to freeze, especially during frosty nights.

What to do:

• Set your heating to maintain a minimum of 12°C if you’re away.

• Leave loft hatches slightly open to let warm air circulate.

• Drain down the system for extended absences if no one is home.

5. Check for Leaks and Weak Points

Why it matters:
Even a small leak can lead to significant damage if it freezes.

What to check:

• Under sinks, behind toilets, and around the boiler.

• Outdoor taps and exposed joints.

• Pipe brackets and supports to ensure stability.

6. Winter-Proof Outdoor Plumbing

Why it matters:
Outdoor plumbing is directly exposed to harsh weather and is most likely to freeze.

Tips:

• Disconnect and store hoses.

• Turn off outdoor tap feeds and drain them down.

• Fit insulated tap covers.

7. Servicing for AGA and Rayburn Cookers

Many homes across North Devon rely on AGA and Rayburn cookers not just for cooking, but also for heating and hot water. Regular servicing is essential to keep them running efficiently and safely throughout the winter.

Why it’s important:

• Maintains clean combustion and safe operation.

• Ensures consistent oven temperatures and heating performance.

• Extends the lifespan of your cooker, especially in high-use months.

Service Frequency:

• Oil models: Every 6 months.

• Gas models: Once a year.

Servicing includes checking burners, cleaning flues, inspecting thermostats, and verifying correct operation of all components.

Local Expertise When You Need It

Whether you live in South Molton, Barnstaple, or Winkleigh, winter plumbing issues can cause significant inconvenience. Preparing now can save you time, stress, and money down the line.

For expert support with boiler servicing (including gas, LPG, and oil), pipe insulation, emergency plumbing, and AGA/Rayburn servicing, reach out to your trusted local professionals. Make sure your home stays warm, safe, and running smoothly all season long