6 winter emergencies – and how to deal with them
As winter tightens its grip, a range of problems can emerge in homes – and they need to be addressed urgently. Here are six common winter issues and what to do about them.
1. Power goes off unexpectedly
This could be due to a power cut, or it may be an issue with your home’s electrics. Your first step is to check whether your neighbours’ power has gone off. You can either pop and ask them or, if it’s the evening, simply look out of the window to see whether the neighbourhood lights are on. If you decide it’s probably a power cut, you can call 105 to report it and get further information. If the problem is only in your home, it’s likely to be a problem with your electrics. If you have a pay-as-you-go electricity meter, check you still have credit on it. If that’s not the issue, locate your fuse box and turn off the main switch, followed by the others, one by one. After that, turn the main switch back on, followed by the others. If one of the switches flicks back off again, this can indicate a problem with that circuit, such as a faulty appliance. This can help you to locate and unplug the appliance, solving the problem.
2. High winds
These are more likely in winter, so make sure all items in your garden that could fly away are put away or secured. We’ve all seen videos of trampolines flying down the street! Make sure fences and fence posts are secure, garage doors are locked, and doors into your property are secured with suitable hinges. Trim any loose branches from trees to ensure they do not fly off and cause damage. Roofs are often the most expensive thing damaged in high winds, so it’s a good idea to get your roof checked twice a year to spot and address any problems such as loose slates. You should also check that your pipes and guttering are all secure, as they can be vulnerable to high winds.
3. Boiler problems
Unfortunately these issues tend to arise in the middle of winter, just when you really need your boiler. If your boiler has not been regularly serviced, it may have underlying faults that turn into expensive problems once you start using it heavily – so get it checked and serviced before winter hits. If a problem hits unexpectedly, our team of boiler engineers can be contacted via our contact section of the website.
4. Frozen pipes
This problem usually occurs after a run of days when the temperature is below freezing. Frozen pipes can be an expensive and frustrating problem, making your heating system back up or causing cracks in your piping that lead to flooding. To prevent these issues, make sure your drains are regularly cleaned and kept clear and that any exposed pipework is well insulated with lagging.
5. Pesky pests
Winter can cause pests such as mice and rats to seek shelter in warm houses, so try to prevent the problem by sealing any small holes that could give them access. Signs that the critters have got in include droppings, gnaw marks, and food packets that have been broken into. If you think you have a pest problem, you can buy home-made poisons or call in an expert.
6. Draughty windows and doors
Windows are one of your first lines of protection against the winter weather, and if they’re letting draughts in it will likely affect not only your comfort but also your heating bills. Listen out for whistling sounds which can indicate a problem. A quick fix is to seal the gap with caulk or weatherstripping, but if the problem is more extensive, consider calling in an expert and possibly getting the window replaced.
Need help? Our experienced team can help with a host of winter home problems, from loose roof slates to problems with your plumbing and electricity. Get in touch today to find out more.