For those who prefer holidaying at home in the summer months, here is some advice on how a drain down of your holiday home would be beneficial over the winter months.

As the big freeze descends  over the country and temperatures start to fall, no-one should be worrying about the possibilities of a burst pipe or avoidable damage that frost can cause whilst unoccupied.

The easiest way to stop this from occurring is the process called a ‘Drain Down’ . This is the process of removing all water from your system and making sure there is no possibility for freezing.

How to Drain Down a Holiday Home.

This can be undertaken for a fee by a local tradesman or by yourself.

First address your manufacturers handbook for guidance about your system. Next locate your stopcock, as this stops the main water supply to your caravan or lodge. It’s essential to start your ‘Drain Down’ by turning this off.

The process from this point is systematically emptying the water.

• Empty toilets cisterns, pipes and any standing water, to prevent freezing and cracking. Make sure valves are tied up so they don’t fill up again. Turn on all taps to allow for any residual water to leave the system.
• Drain residual water from radiators.
• Pour a small amount of non-toxic antifreeze or salt into sinks and basins, this just gives added help to stop pipes freezing.
• Anything you are not sure on, consult the park maintenance team or a tradesmen who deals with Holiday Homes frequently.
• Make sure you leave window trickle vents open so there is constant air-flow throughout your holiday home to allow moisture to escape. Another tip is also to leave internal doors ajar to allow for further air circulation.
• Remove all water from any exterior tap pipes and you can cover them for extra protection from frost.

Anything else to tick off the list?

To prevent cold weather damage even further, whilst you’re away from your beloved Holiday home, see our checklist on the simple tips and hacks. Putting these handy things in place to will ensure the winter months fly by without any damage, giving you peace of mind. Click here to see what else you can do!