Leaving house for 1 week - pipes/water tank

Greekwife

We are due to leave our house for a week and I am worried about the pipes / water tank in the attic freezing or bursting.

My question is if we turn off the water and empty the tank in the attic before leaving can we also leave the heating on (timed) while we are gone ?

We have gas heating with a timer with 2 options - HW only and Heating and HW.

Mike2006

Yes you can, just make sure the small tank in the attic (if you have one) is not empty first.

Also be aware that you will probably have some airlocks (sinks/toilets) when you empty your cold water storage tank....

Leave your attic door opn as well for the week to let the heat from the house travel up to the attic space. This will help with the heating.

Mike.

Greekwife

Thanks, Mike.

Have looked in attic and only seem to have one tank - would this be right ? House about 12 years old with GFCH.

Mike2006

If it is a pressurised system you won't have a small tank. If it is open vented you will.

You will either have a small tank and big tank or just a big tank.

Alternatively, check the pressure gauge on the front of the gas boiler. If there is more than 1 bar when it is not running, it should be fully topped up with water.. i.e. in the 'green zone' on the gauge.

Mike.

Greekwife

Think it is pressurized. Looked at the gauge on the front of the boiler, Can't see any green zone - it just has a red and black hand on the dial.

Mike2006

What pressure is it reading?

Mike.

Greekwife

Both red and black hands are at 1 and a half.

Mike2006

Then you are good to go.

Mike.

Greekwife

Thanks, Mike. Appreciate it.

mlmcelligott

You shouldnt need to empty the tank at all if you just leave a light on near the pipes and tank in the attic. If you have an old type 150watt bulb left on it will keep the tank warm enough not to freeze.