1
Protect outdoor taps and pipes
Drain and isolate outdoor taps, lag any exposed pipes and use a good tap cover. If a pipe or tap does freeze, thaw it slowly and gently — never with a naked flame — and check for cracks as the ice comes out.
Seasonal6 min read
Protecting ponds and outdoor taps in winter
Frozen water and pipes can cause real damage. Here's how to winter-proof your pond and outdoor plumbing.
Created by jflgardens.co.uk
Water is one of a garden's great assets, but in winter it can turn against you — ice can harm pond life and frozen pipes and taps can burst and leak. A bit of simple winter-proofing keeps everything safe and sound.
2
Keep a hole in the ice for pond life
If a pond freezes over, gently melt a small hole (place a pan of hot water on the surface, never break it with force) so gasses can escape and fish and wildlife can breathe. Keep the hole open during prolonged cold.
3
Support pumps and filters correctly
Either remove, drain and store a small fountain or filter, or keep them running where that's safe. A floating sphere or aerator can also help keep a small area of pond open. Check your equipment's guidance for cold weather.
4
Protect greenhouse water systems
Greenhouse taps, pipes and water butts also need care. Drain exposed pipework, lag what you can, and consider insulating tanks to stop them freezing. Disconnect hoses and store them indoors where they won't split and crack.
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