Pipes

All pipes - hot and cold - that are exposed to cold air should be insulated. Pay special attention to pipes in the loft that rest on an insulated floor (no heat from the rooms below will reach them) and those that run across outside walls in an unheated room. Because water flows more slowly through bends in pipework, it is more likely to freeze at bends.

Split foam tubing is the most common type of pipe insulation. The split along the side enables the tubing to slip over the pipe. Tubes are available to fit pipework with a diameter of 15 mm, 18 mm, or 22 mm. If the size you need isn't available, buy a larger rather than smaller size.

• When cutting the tube, use scissors or a knife.
• Push the tubing tightly where pipes enter water tanks and cylinders.
• Butt the lengths up against each other where they need to be joined.
• At bends, cut V-shaped notches in the tube so that it doesn't wrinkle.
• Cut wedge-shaped butt joints at elbow joints in pipework, and where pipes meet at right angles. Secure the tubing with tape.
• Use PVC adhesive tape to secure the tubing at every joint and wherever it is needed to keep the tubing closed.