Now that the weather has turned cold we start to think about freezing water in pipes and cisterns of properties that are not in constant use.
Anecdotally we know that some people put anti-freeze in toilets to try and avoid frost damage. Unfortunately, anti-freeze is fairly toxic and it’s not a chemical we want in our water treatment plants where it can cause problems.
Instead how about trying one of the other solutions to this age-old problem:
- Drain your pipes. This is the BEST solution. If you’re going to be away for a while this is the best long-term solution to frost damage in your water pipes.
- Float a ball in toilets/cisterns etc. As the water freezes and thaws the flexibility in the ball should take the strain. Ping pong balls may work, also tennis balls may flex or a sponge may work in the same way.
- You can also put some salt in the water remaining in your toilet before you leave.
In this case frozen balls really are better.
ALSO: Did you know that if you have anti-freeze to dispose of, it can be dropped off at one of the Resource Recovery Parks in Fairlie, Lake Tekapo or Twizel.