As the Christmas season sparkles into view, NI Water is calling on property owners to give their water pipes the best present of all – a snug wrapping of insulation! Just as you’d lovingly wrap gifts to nestle under the Christmas tree, it’s time to wrap up your pipes to keep them safe from the winter chill.

When Jack Frost comes calling and temperatures dip below zero, water inside exposed pipes can freeze and expand. As things thaw out and warm up again, pipes can contract, leaving cracks or even causing bursts. The result? Water damage that could turn your cosy Christmas into a holiday headache, with ruined belongings and possible repairs that might see you packing up instead of partying.

NI Water Education Officer Anna Killen shares her festive wisdom: “The cold winter months can bring more than just snowmen and twinkling lights – they can bring burst pipes and unwanted disruption. NI Water is here to remind everyone that just a little effort now – by lagging pipes and water tanks with easy-to-find insulation from your local DIY shop – can help keep your Christmas merry and your home safe.”

Anna adds: “Don’t let a dripping tap become the ghost of Christmas future – fix leaks right away to help prevent frozen pipes. Make sure you know where your property’s stop valve is and how to turn it off; you’ll usually find it under the kitchen sink. And don’t forget your outdoor taps – an insulating cover is the stocking-filler they need to stop them from causing chaos indoors if a freeze leads to a burst.”

NI Water’s advises that if the worst should happen and a pipe does burst, act quickly: turn off the stop valve and call a qualified plumber. For trusted professionals in your area, visit www.watersafe.org.uk.

NI Water’s top tips to prevent bursts and leaks:

• Wrap up pipes and water tanks with insulation from your local DIY store – just like you’d wrap the perfect present!
• Set your heating controls before heading off for a festive break to keep pipes cosy in your absence.
• Give a spare key to someone you trust so they can check in on your home for any frozen pipes or leaks.
• Service your central heating boiler each year – a warm house is a happy house!
• Find and test your stop valve (usually under the kitchen sink), so you can act fast if a problem arises
• Fix those dripping taps before they freeze over and cause more trouble.
• Check your home insurance includes cover for winter water damage – better safe than sorry.
• Keep a plumber’s number handy – you can find a local professional at www.watersafe.org.uk.

Ends

Notes to editors

When checking your home is winterproof, why not take the time to check the age of your water supply pipes. For information about how you can find and deal with lead pipes please visit: www.niwater.com/lead-pipes 

Media enquiries to the NI Water Press Office via email to press.office@niwater.com