With the cold, wintry weather arriving, we wanted to let you know how to best protect your home from frozen and burst water pipes.
When water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on pipes and joints which can cause them to split or pull apart. As the water in the pipe thaws, water pours through the broken pipe which may then cause damage to your home.
Most bursts caused by frozen pipes are avoidable, simply follow the three simple steps below.
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Find your stop tap
First of all be prepared and know where your stop tap is so you can turn your water off in an emergency.
It’s a little tap that’s usually under the kitchen sink, but it could also be in the downstairs loo, garage or cupboard under the stairs.
It’s important as this will help reduce water damage to your home if a pipe bursts.
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Insulate your pipes in cold places
Insulate water pipes with lagging to prevent them from freezing. Make sure that pipes in cold places, such as the loft, garage and outside, are protected. Insulating hot water pipes will also prevent heat from escaping and help save money on your energy bills.
Ask at your DIY store for the best type of insulation to use, pipe lagging isn’t expensive and if you have an outside tap in the garden, it’s worth having a tap cover to protect that from freezing too.
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If you do experience a frozen pipe
Check out this helpful advice from United Utilities https://orlo.uk/yrT5G about what you can do to try and thaw it. If you’re still having problems, or if you find the pipe has burst once the water comes back on, please get in touch by calling us on 0300 561 1111.
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A little extra help with Priority Services
The Priority Services Register is a free support service to help people in vulnerable situations, offered by energy and utilities providers.
You are eligible for the register if you:
- have reached your state pension age
- are disabled or have a long-term medical condition
- are recovering from an injury
- have a hearing or sight condition
- have a mental health condition
- are pregnant or have young children
- have extra communication needs (such as if you don’t speak or read English well).
Contact your supplier to find out more and to get added.