NI Water wants to remind farmers this winter to protect their farm, out-buildings and livestock from the cold by insulating exposed water pipes on their property. When a frozen pipe bursts this can cause multiple issues including disruption to water supply, an unexpected water bill and danger to livestock. By insulating your pipes and checking all of your lagging is secure you can ensure that you don’t have any issues this winter.

Paul Bryce, NI Water’s Head of Water, said: “Farmers can protect their water supply by making some simple checks ahead of the winter season. With an estimated 50% of our non-domestic customers being classified as farms, they are a very important group for us and can also be among our most vulnerable group if they lose their water supply.

“Dealing with a burst pipe on a farm can be a major problem, as water is the single most important requirement for livestock it is important that supply remains constant. On a dairy farm, livestock drinking water accounts for between 50% and 75% of the farm’s water usage, showing the importance of having a clean and regular flowing supply of water.”

Farmers have various ways to prevent frozen pipes or lessen their effects, such as:

• Be aware of your property's pipework and ensure you understand its layout.
• Know where your stop valves are located, you can contact GetWaterFit and request a stop start tag to place around your stop valves see more information here: https://www.niwater.com/need-our-help/winter-proof-your-home/free-stop-valve-tag
• You can install a number of stop valves to isolate water supply to disused areas of the farm during the winter months.
• Ensure that you have a supply of the relevant fittings to repair any leakages.
• Know where your meters are located (NI Water will help you to do this if asked) and check them on a regular basis. A higher reading may indicate a leak which should be located and repaired as quickly as possible to reduce water bills, which are a major liability for a working farm.
• Inspect remote troughs which may not be used at this time of year, particularly the exposed pipe leading into the trough; if cattle are inside consider turning the supply to the trough off at the meter or installing a stop valve for the trough (or field) so you turn off the supply without having to do so at the meter. Consider draining troughs.
• Where practical ensure all underground pipes are buried 750 millimetres (2½ feet) below ground level.
• Ensure any pipes within buildings are insulated, where appropriate, taking account of the presence of any livestock.
• Fix dripping taps – a gentle trickle of water can freeze and completely block the pipe.
• Examine the adequacy of storage in the event of a supply problem. NI Water recommends at least 24 hours storage.
• Write down the name and contact details of a SNIPEF (Scotland & Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation) registered plumber in case a pipe does burst.

For more information see here: https://www.niwater.com/need-our-help/winter-proof-your-home

Ends

Notes to editors:

When checking your farm 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