“Winterising” your static caravan

19 November 2024 15:36

As the first taste of winter begins and the weather forecast showing further snow and ice warnings may bring potential for ongoing disruption, NI Water would like to remind static caravan owners that it’s vitally important to make sure you are prepared for winter and professionally “drained down” to ensure all water is fully removed from all equipment and to avoid the danger of damage from burst pipes.

If your caravan park remains open over the winter and you intend to continue to use your static caravan, then it is wise to attempt a quick drain down yourself at the end of each visit.  This can be done by turning off the water mains at the stop valve and then opening the caravan drain plugs, setting all taps to open, flushing the toilet and draining all water from sinks and basins. Adding salt to any last drops of water in toilets and traps will also help to prevent freezing.

NI Water education officer Anna Killen said: “With external pipe work that is very much exposed to the elements, unoccupied static caravans are usually left for long periods over the winter months and are much more susceptible to severe damage when the temperature drops. Our advice is to leave the tricky task of draining down your static caravan to the professionals, especially when you are leaving it for a sustained period during the winter.

“Also, remember to heat your static caravan by using the frost setting on your heating system and consider getting the heating system serviced. Make sure all pipes inside and outside are insulated and make sure you are covered by insurance that protects you from the large scale damage that mother nature can sometimes cause.”

Ends

Notes to editors

When checking your home is winterproof, why not take the time to check the age of your water supply pipes. For information about how you can find and deal with lead pipes please visit: www.niwater.com/lead-pipes 

Media enquiries to the NI Water Press Office via email to press.office@niwater.com