Deep-freeze Britain: Waterfalls halt in full flow, fountains come to a standstill and weekend travel chaos looms as mercury hits -11oC

Best to stay in the warm! Weekend chaos looms with big freeze sweeping across the country… as last night’s temperature fell to -11oC

Also the 'Met Office' have issued a 'Amber Level 3' Cold Weather Warning! As you can see from the box on the right its going to get cold this weekend and you need to wrap your machines AND WANDS up nice and warm.

Although some areas of the UK have only had a layer of snow, and not all areas haven’t really had sub-zero temperatures yet ... be warned cleaners getting caught out!

Already over the last two days we have had many phone calls from cleaners with frozen machines and tools, some wondering why no water is coming out of their machine ... we ask "did you leave the machine/tool outside last night?" ... "Oh Yes ... but it can't be FROST DAMAGE - CAN IT?"

Even if you could thaw the equipment without damage you’ll still have the embarrassment, the inconvenience, the down time, upset customers, etc… etc… it could cause major damage to your machines, tools and hoses ... not to mention the cost.

The main part to freeze is the valve on your floor wand ... this can crack, split or even the nut will strip it's threads, then you are left with no wand or tools.

What Can You Do?

1. Remember at to release all the pressure in your machines water system, including all your hoses and all tools, before you leave any equipment in your van – even between jobs! This is for both Truck mounts and portables!

2. All portable machines and cleaning equipment, sprayers, floor and upholstery tools, water hoses and other accessories should be ..

Removed from the van and stored in a heated building.
Heater put into van
Lag your tools. Think about the water pipes in your loft ... rap an old blanket around your tools to insulate them

Many equipment manufacturers give accurate, step-by-step instructions on how to complete the anti-freezing procedure. Bear in mind, pressure hoses and cleaning tools must also be protected by releasing the pressure and keep them indoors or wrapped in blankets.

3. If you use a truck mount, (which must remain in the vehicle) we recommend completely insulating the van (including the roof) – if this isn’t done cover the machine with old blankets or an old duvet to help insulate it.

4. Use an electric heater – a thermostatically controlled oil-filled electric heaters fitted (not left to fall over or touch anything) into the rear of your van give good results. Remember this can be a fire hazard and should ONLY BE USED WITH GREAT CARE. We recommended the use of a RCD (Circuit breaker) plug to help ensure against fire and electrical shock.

5. When running extension cords between a building and your vehicle, they should be rated for outdoor use. Lay them out in a manner that avoids tampering. If you have multiple cleaning units to protect, do not overload electrical outlets. A blown circuit breaker during the night will leave the equipment unprotected.

Keep the following tips in mind when dealing with winter weather

• During work hours do not allow your unit to sit for long periods of time between jobs. While in use, heat produced from the machine will provide protection for the equipment.

• After completing a job do not delay packing up your hoses and tools and closing your vehicle. Ambient temperatures from the equipment will heat the inside of your van for a period of time. Insulating and panelling the walls and ceiling of the van will extend this time period. Insulation will also quiet the machinery noise during those early morning and late night jobs.

• No one expects to be caught out in the cold with equipment frozen up. Unfortunately, not a winter passes without our service personnel replacing components on equipment for this reason. Here’s some of the more common denials: “I couldn’t have frozen my unit, I always keep a heater in the van”, “I only left it out one night”, “It didn’t get that cold”. YOU COULD BE CAUGHT OUT. DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT NOW!

If you are contact our Service Team on 0800 695 0222 or 01763 208222

If you would like a quote for additional work or prices for spare parts please email us at info@alltec.co.uk or call 01763 208222 now (24-hour answer message service)