Nottingham Engineer Issues Winter Damage Prevention Checklist to Help Protect Homes

A Nottingham Gas Safe engineer has published a winter home-damage prevention guide designed to help households reduce the risk of frozen pipes, boiler failures and expensive leaks as temperatures fall across the UK.

The guide was created by Rizwan Ahmad, owner of RA Plumbing and Heating, who says he routinely deals with avoidable emergencies each winter, many costing property owners several thousand pounds. Concerned by the ongoing cost of living pressures, Ahmad chose to make the information freely available.

“Every winter we see families waking up to no heating, no hot water, or in the worst cases, burst pipes flooding their homes,” said Ahmad. “Almost all of these emergencies are preventable with a few simple checks.”

Insurance reports show that even a single burst pipe can cause between £5,000 and £15,000 in repairs, damage wiring and appliances, and leave families temporarily displaced. Call-out rates during winter months also rise sharply, creating unexpected financial burdens for homeowners.

Ahmad explained that those most at risk are often the elderly, low-income households and families already under financial pressure. “For some households, a broken boiler or a burst pipe isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a crisis,” he said. “I’ve seen vulnerable residents go days without heating or hot water because they’re afraid of repair costs. That’s why I wanted to share practical steps that anyone can follow for free.”

The newly released Winter Plumbing and Home Damage Prevention Checklist outlines seven key measures that can be completed quickly and without specialist tools.

1. Insulating exposed or vulnerable pipes
2. Bleeding radiators for maximum heating efficiency
3. Ensuring the stopcock opens and closes properly
4. Installing an outdoor tap cover
5. Checking loft pipes and water tanks for adequate insulation
6. Booking an annual boiler service
7. Clearing gutters and outdoor drains to prevent blockages

Noel Alberts