Protect your pipes this winter

People are being encouraged to check their water pipes so they don't freeze in the cold snap and to protect them by wrapping and insulating against the cold.

Any homes and businesses left empty for more than a day or two are particularly at risk and should be protected against possible freezing and bursts.

To help customers cope with the Veolia Water has made a short film: "How to deal with frozen pipes", starring Customer Service Technician Rob King.

"The sudden drop in temperatures we're seeing this week could cause damage to pipes and property if people aren't prepared," said Rob.

"If pipes freeze during the night the first you may be aware is when they thaw, causing water to stream from burst pipes in the loft, flooding rooms below.

"If you do have a frozen pipe, a hairdryer is perfect for thawing it out. If you try heating up a frozen pipe too quickly there is a risk of it bursting, so the gentle heat of a hairdryer, aimed on to the pipe is ideal. Make sure you thaw the pipe at the end nearest the tap first; don't forget to close your stop tap before you try to thaw your pipes, and of course be careful when using any electrical equipment near water."

Ends.

For further information, please contact Sue Pavey on: Tel. 01707 277110, email: news@veoliawater.co.uk, website: www.veoliawater.co.uk/news

To prevent burst pipes:

• Check where your stop taps are to isolate your water supply and that they work;
• Insulate exposed water pipes with felt, pipe wrap or other suitable insulating material and cover any outside pipe or fitting with a waterproof material;
• Make sure your cold water tank is insulated;
• Leave central heating on a frost-protect setting overnight;
• If you are planning on leaving your home or office unattended for long periods, turn off the water supply, outside taps and exposed pipes.

Dealing with frozen pipes

If pipes do freeze, turn off the stopcock to cut the water supply and use a gentle heat source to defrost pipes. Start thawing the pipe near where it enters the house.

Dealing with burst pipes

If a pipe bursts, turn off the stopcock, leave a tap on to allow the thawed water to escape and contact a qualified plumber. For a list of local qualified plumbers please visit our website: Veolia Water Central - https://central.veoliawater.co.uk/approved-plumbers.aspx

Veolia Water has advice on its website about coping with the cold weather and protecting pipes from freezing. Visit www.veoliawater.co.uk/coldweather for more information.

Our "How to deal with frozen pipes" video, starring Rob King, can be viewed at www.veoliawater.co.uk/howtoguides or on YouTube at www.youtube.com/veoliawateruk

About us

Veolia Water Central (www.veoliawater.co.uk/central) serves customers in north London and the Home Counties.