Guide
Getting a Buckinghamshire home ready for winter
Short answer
Before winter, clear the gutters, find and test your stop tap, lag pipes in cold spaces and drain the outside tap. Fix loose fence panels before the gales. Inside, keep the heating at a steady low level. Buckinghamshire Council says this cuts condensation, the biggest cause of damp. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Outside jobs
Do these in October or November, once most leaves are down.
- Clear gutters, downpipes and drains of leaves and moss.
- Look at the roof from the ground for slipped or missing tiles.
- Fix loose fence panels and gate catches.
- Clear leaves from paths and steps.
- Keep soil and plants clear of air bricks and vents.
Water pipes
Locate the stop tap and give it a turn while nothing is wrong. The Consumer Council for Water stresses how much a quick shut-off saves when a pipe bursts.
- Insulate pipework and cisterns in lofts, garages and cold cupboards.
- Wrap bends and joints too.
- Turn off and drain the outside tap, or fit a cover.
- Get drips and running overflows fixed.
Condensation and mould
Buckinghamshire Council says condensation is the biggest cause of damp in houses. Winter makes it worse, because windows stay shut.
- Keep the heating on at a steady low level, not in short bursts.
- Open a window and shut the door when you cook or shower.
- Leave a gap between furniture and outside walls.
- Dry clothes outside, or in a room with a window open or the fan on.
- Wipe condensation off windows and sills each morning.
Heating and alarms
Have the boiler serviced in early autumn, by a Gas Safe registered engineer if it runs on gas. Press the test button on each smoke and carbon monoxide alarm.
Most of this list suits a handyman. Roof, gas and electrical faults go to the matching trade.
Clearing out
Autumn clear-outs make waste. Take it to a household recycling centre, or use a registered waste carrier. Buckinghamshire Council says you are responsible for your waste, even after someone else takes it.
Questions
When should gutters be cleared?
In late autumn, after most leaves fall. Homes near big trees, common in the Chilterns, may need a second clear in spring.
A pipe has frozen. What now?
Shut the stop tap, then open a cold tap nearby. Thaw the pipe gently with warm cloths or a hot water bottle, never a flame. If it splits, call a plumber.
Why is there mould on my walls every winter?
Usually condensation. Buckinghamshire Council advises steady heating, more ventilation and drying clothes outside. Clean mould with a fungicidal wash. If you rent, report it to your landlord.