Stay warm and snug this winter!
It’s getting cold out there now. In the same way we’re reaching for our hats, scarves and gloves to keep ourselves toasty, our waterpipes need similar protection. If they get too cold, the water inside them freezes, expands and can split the pipe.
Bleed your radiators
This will improve efficiency and reduce the risk of the radiator pipes freezing. Turn the top valve to release air, then tighten again when a droplet of water appears.
Keep an eye on gutters
Leaves and moss can block gutters. If water runs down exterior walls instead of gutters, you can get damp problems. Check gutters are clear before and during the winter.
Turn off your outdoor tap
If you have an external tap, turn it off at the stop tap if you can. If you use the tap through the winter, fit an insulated cover or tap jacket to prevent the pipe from freezing.
Seal up any draughts
Draughts let out the warmth you want to keep in your home. Sealing them up will help keep the warmth in and prevent any drastic temperature drops which could lead to freezing pipes.
Burst pipes
A burst pipe can cause a lot of damage to your home. There are ways to reduce the risk, but you should also know what to do if you do experience a burst this winter.
Insulate your pipes
Lagging pipes protects against bursts and helps make your heating more efficient. To fit lagging, simply cut to the right length, wrap around the pipe and secure with duct tape or cable ties.
Keep the heating on
It costs more to fix a burst pipe than to run your heating on low. If you’re going away, leave your heat on a low setting (around 15C) so your pipes don’t freeze. Do the same, day and night, in cold snaps.
Know where your stop taps are
To minimise the damage caused by a burst pipe, use the stop tap to turn off your water. Practice turning it off – clockwise to tighten (right to tight).
Have the number of a reliable plumber
If a pipe is leaking in your home, there’s no time to waste. Keep the details of a certified plumber to hand for emergencies. You may also want to check if your home insurance policy to see if you’re covered for plumbing emergencies.
Check for leaks
A dripping pipe can push up water bills, damage your home and could mean a full burst is more likely. Fix leaks as soon as you can.
Check your meter readings
If you have a water meter, keep a look out for unexpectedly high readings – this suggests you have a leak. You can track your water usage using MyAccount.
Watch out for damp spots
Leaks can be in hard-to-reach areas under floorboards. Watch out for damp or mouldy spots, noisy pipes or low water pressure. You might see a damp spot outdoors if the leak is under your driveway.
How to spot a leak and what to do about it
As discussed above, your meter will be the best indicator of any small, not-easily-seen leaks. If you suspect you have an internal leak, you should first turn off your water supply at the internal or external stop tap to prevent any further damage. Then call the plumber who you have contact details for.
Alternatively, if you spot a leak outside, follow the link below to find out what to do.
How we’re helping to keep your mind at ease
Winter is the busiest time for our technicians, who start to deal with more leaks and blockages everyday. They work tirelessly, fighting the elements, to maintain our network. However, sometimes this means that there are disruptions to your supply.
Our Priority Services are available for customers who may have individual needs that mean we need to prioritise them in the case of an emergency, e.g. a medical condition.
