As it's predicted that some parts of the UK could see snow this week, some homeowners could be in for a nasty surprise as their homes aren't prepared for the upcoming freezing weather. 

With this in mind, to avoid either internal and/or external damage during the winter months, homeowners must prepare ahead of time. 

Cold temperatures increase the risk of household pipes freezing and cracking, which can cause significant damage to both plumbing and heating systems.

While a quick Google search might seem like an easy solution, experts at Yell caution that attempting to thaw frozen pipes yourself can lead to bursts, so it’s always best to consult a professional.

Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to prevent this.

According to David Doran, a plumbing expert at Blackstone Plumbing & Heating Ltd, one of these is simply making sure your thermostat is on the right settings. 

While it’s tempting to crank up the heating on especially chilly days, David recommends the ideal temperature to be between 18 and 20°C.

Setting the thermostat to a minimum of 18 degrees helps keep the pipes warm and ensures it’s not too low to prevent your pipes from freezing.

Many modern central heating systems have a "frost protection" mode, which keeps your home above freezing while using minimal energy.

If you're planning to be away during the winter or cutting back on heating use, avoid turning the heating off entirely.

When sleeping or when the house is empty, it’s recommended to lower the temperature to around 15-17°C (59-63°F). This further saves energy while still preventing the house from getting too cold.

Alternatively, you can schedule regular heating intervals throughout the day to ensure pipes remain warm and reduce the risk of freezing.

And finally, you should also ensure your boiler is serviced regularly to keep it in optimal working condition, which helps maintain consistent heating throughout your home.

David recommends having your boiler serviced annually to ensure safe and efficient operation. Regular servicing checks for leaks, blockages, and safe device functionality, preventing issues like gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning.

It also improves efficiency and saves on energy bills, while many warranties and insurance policies also require annual servicing.