The festive season is approaching, and many families across the UK are getting ready for Christmas trips, New Year breaks and long overdue visits to loved ones. While planning holidays is exciting, leaving your home unoccupied during winter can be stressful, especially when cold weather increases the risk of frozen pipes, leaks and heating failures.
This guide has been created to help you prepare your home properly so you can travel with complete peace of mind. Drawing on the experience and daily work of Plumbing Network’s heating and plumbing engineers across Sheffield and South Yorkshire, the advice below is practical, trustworthy and based on real winter issues seen by professionals every year.
Why Winter Holiday Preparation Matters
Travelling in December or early January means your home faces freezing temperatures while you are away. A small issue like a dripping tap or a boiler losing pressure can turn into something serious when no one is there to notice it.
Plumbing Network handles many emergency calls every winter due to:
- Frozen water pipes
- Burst pipes caused by expanding ice
- Boiler breakdowns
- Radiator leaks
- Flooding from unheated loft spaces
- Outside tap bursts
Preparing your home before you leave reduces risks, saves money on repairs, and protects your property while you enjoy your holiday.
How to Protect Your Home Before Travelling for the Festive Season
Keep Your Heating Running at a Safe Level
Many homeowners think turning the heating off will save money. In reality, doing so during the winter holiday season increases the risk of frozen pipes.
Recommended steps include:
- Set your thermostat to a safe low level, usually between 12 and 15 degrees
• Use the timer function to keep gentle heat circulating
• Ensure all radiators are working correctly
• Check for cold spots or air pockets by touching them before you travel
Plumbing Network often advises customers to run their heating occasionally even when the thermostat is set low, as it keeps water moving through the system and reduces freezing risks.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes located in lofts, basements, garages or outdoor areas are the first to freeze. Insulating them is a low cost way to prevent a major winter disaster.
For best results:
- Wrap exposed pipes with foam insulation sleeves
- Cover outside taps to protect them from frost
- Check for gaps around doors and windows that allow cold air to reach pipes
- Make sure loft insulation is in good condition
If you are unsure, Plumbing Network engineers can inspect your property and provide guidance based on your home layout.
Turn Off Outdoor Water Sources
Outdoor taps and garden pipes freeze quickly during winter.
Before leaving:
- Disconnect garden hoses
- Drain water from pipes leading outdoors
- Fit an insulated tap cover
- Check that isolation valves are working
This simple preparation prevents burst pipes which can flood walls and foundations.
Check Your Boiler and Heating System
Your boiler works hardest in winter. A quick check before a holiday prevents unexpected breakdowns.
You should:
- Look at the pressure gauge to ensure it is within the correct range
- Listen for unusual noises
- Check for any small leaks around the boiler or radiators
- Ensure the pilot light is steady
- Consider booking a boiler service if it has been over a year
Plumbing Network recommends annual servicing to avoid winter issues and to ensure your heating operates efficiently when you are away.
Use Smart Heating Controls
If you have a smart thermostat, you can monitor your home temperature from anywhere. This allows you to check if the heating is running properly and to prevent pipes from freezing.
Benefits include:
- Control heating remotely
- Get alerts if temperature drops too low
- Adjust settings without returning home
- Save energy while keeping the home safe
Ask Someone You Trust to Check Your Home
Even with preparation, having a friend, neighbour or family member pop in occasionally is one of the best defences against winter problems.
They can:
- Make sure the heating is still running
- Check for leaks
- Look for damp patches
- Ensure windows and doors remain sealed
- Report anything unusual
This small step can prevent costly damage.
Secure Windows, Doors and All Entry Points
Winter security matters too. Before travelling:
- Ensure all windows latch properly
- Lock all external doors
- Close internal doors to help maintain heat
- Use timers for lamps to give the appearance of occupancy
- Check that alarms and cameras are working
Your Festive Season Home Safety Questions Answered
- What should I do with my heating when travelling during the festive season?
- Keep your heating at a low but safe temperature to prevent frozen pipes. A setting between 12 and 15 degrees is usually ideal.
- Can pipes freeze even if the heating is on low?
- Yes, pipes in lofts or outdoor spaces can still freeze if not insulated. Heating reduces the risk but insulation provides added protection.
- Is it worth asking a neighbour to check my home?
- Absolutely. A trusted neighbour can spot early signs of leaks or problems that stop small issues becoming serious.
- Should I turn off my water supply before travelling?
- If you are travelling for an extended period, turning off the main stop tap is a good safety measure. If you are only away for a few days, keeping heating on low is usually enough.
- What steps protect my home from frozen pipes?
- Keep heating on, insulate exposed pipes, drain outdoor taps and close loft hatches to keep warm air inside.
- How do I prevent boiler breakdowns while travelling?
- Check pressure levels, listen for unusual noises and schedule a service if it has been more than a year.
- How can I stop my pipes from freezing while I am away?
- Use pipe insulation, keep the heating on low, seal any draughts and make sure cold areas like lofts receive some warmth from the rest of the home.
- How do I prepare my boiler before travelling?
- Check the pressure, look for leaks and ensure radiators are working. If you have not had a service this year, call a Gas Safe registered engineer such as Plumbing Network.
- How can I protect my home if snow is expected?
- Clear drains and gutters, ensure external pipes are drained and use heating timers to maintain safe temperatures.
- How do I shut off water to my home if needed?
- Locate your stop tap, usually under the kitchen sink or in a utility area. Turn it clockwise to stop water flow.
- How to drain outdoor taps before travelling
- Disconnect hoses then open the tap fully until all water runs out. Close the tap and add an insulated cover.
- How to check if your radiators are ready for winter
- Turn on the heating, feel for cold spots and bleed radiators that do not warm evenly.
- How often should heating run while I am away?
- Allow it to run at least a few times each day through the timer so water keeps moving in the system.
- How to use a smart thermostat to protect your home
- Set temperature alerts, monitor your home’s temperature remotely and adjust heating schedules from your phone.
Conclusion
Travelling during the festive season should feel exciting, not stressful. With a little preparation you can protect your home from winter plumbing and heating problems such as frozen pipes, leaks and boiler failures. By keeping your heating at a safe level, insulating exposed pipes and checking your boiler before you leave, you significantly reduce the risk of damage.
Enjoy your festive break with complete peace of mind.
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