Should I turn my water off.

Susan1942

I am in a purpose built apartments for the over 55. Heating is with storage heaters so no boiler just a hot water tank and a cold water tank in the attic as I am on the top floor.

I know that it can be wasteful having heating on but I am scared they might freeze. My neighour downstairs has a key and I will ask her to look in every few days just to check.
We also have a Manager but I don't really want her in my apartment.

Thanks for all your advice.

bestyman

Speaking as an emergency plumber I see many customers return from holiday to a badly flooded home. Freezing pipes are a very small percent of leaks, most are pipes that leak from poor materials and workmanship or simply old age. Personally I turn my cold water off if going away for a long weekend in the summer

I would advise that the cold stoptap be turned off firmly, open all hot and cold taps and leave open. Leave the plug out in case the taps are still dripping.

Freezing pipes are very unlikely but I would turn the room thermostrat down to 4oC if possible and leave the heating on timed for an hour or so each morning and evening. Some boilers have built in frost protection that turn the boiler on when the temp drops below 4oC.