British Gas engineer reveals £2 item that can save you £600 this winter | Personal Finance | Finance

A British Gas engineer has shared a simple and affordable tip to help households avoid costly boiler repairs this winter.

Sunny Solanki, a service and repair engineer, told The Sun that investing in pipe lagging wrap – a material readily available at most DIY and hardware stores – can prevent boiler pipes from freezing during the colder months.

Freezing pipes can lead to significant issues, including cracked or burst pipes, leaving homes without hot water or heating and potentially incurring repair costs ranging from £150 to £600.

The pipe-lagging wrap, made from materials like polyethene foam, wool, or fibreglass, can be wrapped around boiler pipes to reduce heat loss and stop them from freezing.

Mr Solanki emphasised that the wrap is not only effective but also budget-friendly. Pipe lagging wrap can be found for as little as £1.97 per meter at B&Q.

Installing the wrap is straightforward, but Mr Solanki advised those who are less stable on their feet to seek assistance to avoid injuries while working in difficult-to-reach areas.

This easy and low-cost measure could save homeowners hundreds of pounds in repair costs while keeping their heating systems running smoothly throughout the winter.

For those who suspect their pipes may already be frozen, there are certain “tell-tale” signs to watch for to help confirm it.

Jess Steele, heating technology expert at online heating specialists BestHeating, explained: “If you suspect your pipes are frozen the tell-tale signs to look out for include little to no water coming from taps or showers, exposed pipes appearing frosty or wet and damp patches on walls or ceilings.

“If you spot these signs turn the water off at the valve and run the remaining water to relieve the pressure.

“You should temporarily mend the pipe with heavy duty tape but always refer to a qualified plumber to fix the issue.”