The Most Common Household Issues During Winter

Winter is more than just a festive season. For homeowners in the UK, it also brings a range of challenges that can put even the most well-maintained homes to the test. From mould and damp patches to broken boilers, the colder months can cause significant issues if left unchecked.

The best way to protect your home during the colder months is to prepare in advance, and to understand what are the most common household problems that you might face and how to address them.

Heating problems are one of the most common household problems faced in winter, due to winter being the time that your heating system works hardest, which makes it prone to breakdowns, especially if it is not properly maintained.

Here’s what you can do to help prevent and manage heating problems in the home:

• Firstly, check if your heating is working before the winter season begins, to test if it works properly. Also, it is important to schedule a professional maintenance service before the new season starts.
• Bleed your radiators – if your radiator are hot at the bottom but not the top, try bleeding them. Air can build up inside them, causing your radiators to take longer to heat up and resulting in wasted energy as you attempt to warm your home.
• Fix your drafty windows and doors: drafty windows could allow air to enter your home putting more strain on your heating system which can increase energy bills. Weatherstripping doors and windows helps seal any gaps, and can reduce drafts.
• Installing thick or thermal curtains for an extra layer of insulation. Thick and thermal curtains can help with energy savings. They will keep heat in and keep unwanted drafts from entering your home.
• Frozen pipes - frozen pipes are a very common winter household issue, particularly in older or poorly insulated homes. When temperatures drop below zero, the water in your pipes will freeze and expand as it does so which puts pressure on the pipes, increasing the risk damage. To avoid this, keep your heating system running, even at a low temperature, and make a habit of turning your taps on and off daily to keep water moving through the pipes.

Insulating your pipes is another effective way to prevent freezing and can also save you money over time. Insulating hot water pipes can reduce heat loss, allowing water to stay 2°F–4°F warmer than it would with uninsulated pipes. This means you can lower your water temperature setting and conserve water over time.

Boiler breakdowns are another common household issue faced in winter. Your boiler is most likely to break down during the winter months, leaving you without heat and hot water. To avoid a boiler breakdown, be sure not to miss out on your annual boiler servicing. 

Mould can be more prevalent in winter due to the cold, damp weather conditions which can lead to condensation inside your home. A build-up of condensation creates the ideal environment for its growth. 

Bathrooms and kitchens are especially vulnerable due to high humidity and poor ventilation. To prevent mould, ensure proper airflow by opening windows after using the shower or cooking. Consider investing in dehumidifiers and extractor fans if you have not already, as they effectively help fight mould.

Regular cleaning and maintenance also help keep surfaces dry and identify early signs of mould.  

If mould appears, small areas can often be cleaned using solutions like white vinegar or baking soda. However, persistent or widespread mould may require professional removal, as it could indicate an underlying issue such as a leak.  

If you suspect a leak, it’s important to act quickly. Contact a plumbing expert to address the issue promptly. 

The Able Group plumbers specialise in resolving leakages and can typically handle plumbing problems within the same day, preventing recurring mould problems.

Winter's freezing conditions can often result in blocked drains. To avoid the hassle of yearly emergency plumber visits, it’s important to understand the common causes of drain blockages and follow these practical tips to keep your pipes clear:

Frozen pipes - when temperatures drop, the water inside pipes can freeze and expand, leading to blockages. 

Grease buildup - cooking fats, oils, and grease are one of the main causes of blocked drains. As grease cools, it solidifies and sticks to the walls of your pipes which reduces water flow over time.

• Avoid pouring fats, oils, or grease down the drain.
• Use drain covers to catch food scraps and debris.
• Regularly flush your drains with boiling water to help minimise buildup and keep them clear.
• Regularly checks for leaks

By taking these simple preventative measures, you can protect your plumbing over the winter.

Cold, icy weather can exert extra pressure on power lines, potentially causing power outages over time. There is little you can do to prevent power outages but what you can do is be prepared by having backup sources of light, heat and food.

How to be prepared:

• Keep a supply of torches and batteries
• Always keep a fully charged powerbank
• Keep an emergency kit and a first aid kit
• Have food and drink available that doesn’t require heat or electricity to store it
• Invest in a portable generator for emergency power.
• Stock up on blankets

Addressing potential problems before they arise is the most effective way to tackle common household issues during winter. With the right preventative measures, you can save time, money, and stress while keeping your home free from mould and damage. 

Investing in regular maintenance, such as insulating your pipes, bleeding radiators before winter, and scheduling an annual boiler service, is essential to preventing many common household challenges that arise during the colder months. Our plumbing specialists are here to help make sure your home stays warm and runs smoothly from season to season.

For expert assistance, call 0330 108 4111 today. We’re available 24/7 to handle all your plumbing, gas and heating concerns.