Leaving taps dripping and keeping the thermostat on, are just two things you can do to stop the water pipes in your home from bursting or freezing, according to one expert.

Andy Ellis, a home and garden experts at Posh.co.uk, warns homeowners that during cold winters, pipes can often freeze and burst due to harsh weather conditions especially if they are in unheated areas of the home.

He said fixing frozen pipes can cost around £200 and leave a home without water and heating while repairs are made, which can work out more expensive than leaving a tap dripping or a thermostat on very low.

He said: “Pipes freezing over is a problem a lot of people can face during the winter, especially with exterior pipes and those that are not near any source of heat.”

Ellis added: “While you think you might be racking up the energy bill by doing this, you’re actually doing the opposite.

“Setting your thermostat on a low and consistent temperature can be more efficient and it will keep you home just warm enough to prevent pipes freezing.

“Other things you can do include insulating your water pipes before you go and leaving the faucets on with a very slow, slight drip to keep a flow of water through the pipes.”

Set your thermostat

Most of us have our thermostat set around 19°C and many turn them off when they’re away. This can damage your thermostat and use up more energy over time. Consider setting it between 12°C to 15°C while you’re away instead. This will prevent your pipes from freezing and will save energy. 

Insulate pipes

Insulate pipes in your home that are in unheated areas such as attics and exterior walls. Pipe insulation will prevent them from freezing and even bursting in the cold weather. They can also help reduce heat loss, making your home more efficient in the long run. 

Leave faucets dripping

If you’re only away for a couple of days, consider leaving the faucets dripping ever so slightly with cold water. Even this small movement of water through the pipes can prevent them from freezing. This may seem like a waste of water but a very slightly higher water bill will be cheaper than fixing burst and frozen pipes.

Ask a trusted neighbour 

If you’re away for a longer period of time and don’t want to leave your faucets running, ask a trusted neighbour, family member or friend to pop in and quickly run the taps every couple of days.

Leave cabinets open

Cabinets can get cold if they’re on an exterior wall that’s not well insulated. Leave kitchen and bathroom cabinets open while you’re away to allow warm airflow to reach the pipes.