How to Prevent Burst Pipes in Vacant Homes | McDonald Property Lucan

Winter-Proofing Your Move: How to Avoid Burst Pipes in Vacant Lucan Homes

As the winter chill settles over Lucan, homeowners, particularly those with properties currently on the market or lying vacant, need to be extra vigilant. A burst pipe in a vacant home can cause thousands of euros in damage before it is even discovered, potentially devaluing your property and delaying your sale.

At McDonald Property, we believe in protecting your investment at every stage of the journey. Here is our expert guide to winter-proofing your vacant property.

1. The Golden Rule: Heat or Drain

If a property is unoccupied during a cold snap, you have two main options to prevent disaster:

The Low-Heat Method: Set your thermostat to a "frost protection" setting (usually around 12°C–15°C). Ensure your boiler is serviced and that there is sufficient oil or gas credit to keep the system running.

The Drain-Down Method: If you don't want to run the heating, have a qualified plumber drain the entire system. This involves turning off the mains and emptying all pipes and tanks so there is no water left to freeze.

2. Insulate the Vulnerable Spots

Many older homes in Lucan (particularly in estates like Dodsboro, Sarsfield Park, Ardeevin or Lucan Heights) may have exposed piping in attics or crawl spaces.

Check that the attic tank and all connecting pipes are wrapped in high-quality foam lagging.

Don't forget the outdoor tap, insulate it with a specialized cover or turn it off from the inside valve.

3. Keep the "Air Flow" Moving

In vacant homes, cold air can get trapped in cupboards. Leave the doors to under-sink cabinets and hot presses open. This allows the heat of the house to reach the pipes tucked away behind the joinery.

4. The Neighbor Strategy

One of the risks of a vacant home is that a leak can go unnoticed for days.

Weekly Inspections: If you aren't living in the property, arrange for a friend, neighbor, or your agent at McDonald Property to walk through the house once a week.

Check the Attic: Don't just look at the ceilings; look into the attic to ensure the header tank isn't overflowing due to a frozen ball-cock.

5. Know Your Stopcock Location

In an emergency, every second counts. Ensure that you (and your agent) know exactly where the internal stopcock is located to shut off the water immediately if a leak is detected.

Advice from the Experts

Barry, Emma and Fiachra are out in the Lucan community every day. If we are managing the sale of your home, we keep a close eye on weather warnings to ensure our clients' properties remain safe.

If you are thinking of listing your home this winter and want an agent who treats your property like their own, contact McDonald Property today for a valuation.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general guidance and home maintenance awareness purposes only. While McDonald Property strives to provide helpful advice for homeowners, we are not professional plumbers, insurers, or building surveyors. Individual property requirements may vary based on the age and condition of the plumbing system. McDonald Property accepts no responsibility for any damage, loss, or insurance complications arising from the implementation of these suggestions. We strongly recommend that homeowners consult with a RGI-certified plumber for specific technical works and review their home insurance policy regarding "unoccupied property" clauses, as many policies require specific heating levels or frequent inspections to remain valid during a vacancy.