Insulate water tanks and pipes in unheated areas like lofts, roof spaces, garages and outbuildings. This is also applicable to non domestic premises and holiday homes likely to be unoccupied and unheated for prolonged periods of time.

Insulation is essential in helping to prevent water in pipes from freezing. It is also important to ensure there are no gaps in the insulation at bends, valves or fittings.

Lagging material for pipes can be purchased in DIY/Plumbing stores. It should be noted that even with lagging, extreme weather conditions can result in water in pipes freezing. Without lagging however the potential for this to happen is greatly increased.

Fix dripping taps – a small trickle of water can freeze and completely block the pipe.

Find your internal stop tap/valve. It is usually but not always located under your kitchen sink and normally closes by turning clockwise. You may want to test it is working.

Service your boiler regularly.

Make sure doors and windows from unheated parts of your property are kept closed and minimise any draughts from outside.

If you have tanks or pipes in the roof space, allow some warm air to circulate by opening the trap door (this should be a temporary measure ONLY, as it will cause condensation - tanks and pipes should be insulated). Leave the heating on low when you are away. Leave a key with a neighbour, friend or family member who can check the house regularly.

Write down the contact details of an Approved Contractor (qualified plumber). NI Water recommends you use a WaterSafe Approved Plumber, search for your nearest approved plumber at WaterSafe.org.uk by entering your postcode.

If a property is not in use or occupied for a prolonged period of time it is advisable to turn the water supply off at the stop tap and even consider draining down the system to lessen the possibility of burst pipes going undetected causing property damage and the waste of water.

Turn off the stop tap/valve.

Try to block escaping water with thick cloth like towels.

Turn on all taps to reduce flooding.

Call an Approved Plumber. NI Water recommends you use a WaterSafe Approved Plumber, search for your nearest approved plumber at WaterSafe.org.uk by entering your postcode or by telephoning 0333 2079030.

Don’t forget to turn off taps once the problem is fixed to avoid the waste of water.

Insulating all pipes in unheated areas like lofts, roofs, garages and outbuildings.

Fitting your water tank with an insulation jacket or alternatively the top and sides of the tank can be wrapped with suitable insulation material.

(Don’t place loft insulation under the tank though as this stops heat from the rooms below helping to keep the water in the tank from freezing).

Insulate toilet cisterns, water tanks or pipes in exposed places or unheated outbuildings. Better still, if not in use, drain them for the winter.

Leaving your heating on a low setting especially if your home is empty for a while.

Checking your central heating boiler has been serviced.

Finding your stop tap - so you can turn off the water supply quickly if a pipe freezes or bursts. Most are under the kitchen sink, or sometimes in a cupboard, garage or cellar.

Turning off your water supply and draining the system if you’re going to be away for a while – a Plumber will be able to give you advice.

Giving neighbours a key for your home and contact details for someone to help in an emergency if you go away.

Repairing leaks at taps or valves as soon as you discover them.