Whether it means jetting off somewhere hot to get away from the freezing days or heading to a ski resort to make the most of winter weather, taking a break during the winter months can be great. Of course, you'll want to make sure your home is fine when you get back to it, and that means taking extra care of your pipes. If you're going to be away for more than a day or two, you should consider taking the steps below to help ensure you don't return to frozen pipes.

Check Pipe Insulation

If you live in a part of the country that gets below freezing at some point during the winter, you should already have insulation around all your exposed pipework. However, it's best to check on that insulation before you leave since water is at a higher risk of freezing when it isn't being moved around as you turn on taps and appliances throughout the day. If you notice any gaps or worn segments, get that section of insulation replaced before you leave.

Keep the Heating On

One of the biggest mistakes people make when leaving their home during the winter is turning off the heating. Yes, this will save you money on your utility bills, but you're going to risk frozen pipes, and those could end up costing you a lot more. Keeping the heating on at a constant temperature should help avoid the problem.

Have Your Heating System Serviced

Your heating system is going to be under added strain during the winter months, and you won't be there to spot problems if you're off on a trip. You should get your heating system inspected at least once a year, so you might as well schedule servicing before you take your winter holiday. If there are any problems, you can have them put right before you leave. Just remember to book servicing a week or two before you go to make sure there's time for any necessary work to be carried out.

Consider Draining Pipes

If you're going for more than a week or two, it might be worth turning the water to your property off altogether and draining the pipes. You'll need to call a plumber to drain all the excess fluid, but this could still be a smart idea if you're leaving for extended periods during the winter. Without water in your pipes, you won't need to worry about them freezing.