Wrap up warm, Winter is here!

21 November 2023 8:50

The Winter wardrobe is back out for another year - coats, hats and scarfs at the ready to keep us warm.  It’s a timely reminder that our house needs to have a winter coat on too! 

Frozen pipes can burst and cause flooding, so it is vital when we are wrapping ourselves up that we take the time to make sure our pipes are well wrapped and protected from the cold weather too.

Stephanie McCullagh, Director of Customer and Operations, said: ‘‘Now is the time to prepare for freezing temperatures by checking lagging is fitted and secured, knowing where your stop valve is and having the number of a plumber handy.  All these actions will ensure that the water continues to flow freely through our pipes all winter long.  

“The devastation caused by burst pipes cannot be underestimated.  Not only can the water cause structural damage to a property, but the lasting damage in a home can be to personal items; furniture, electrical items and irreplaceable memories such as photographs.

“On a wider scale, if you imagine the impact of thousands of litres of water pouring out of burst water pipes; it could put a massive strain on the distribution network.  Insulating your pipework is an essential action to protect your water supply and that of your neighbours.”

There are lots of simple things that homes and businesses can do to prepare for a cold winter, and there’s no time like the present to get started:

• Wrap up pipes and water tanks with lagging – high street DIY stores have everything you need.
• Fix dripping taps – even a small trickle can result in a frozen pipe.
• Find your property’s stop tap and make sure you can turn it off – most are under the kitchen sink.
• Control your heating if you go away for a winter break.
• Check your central heating boiler has been serviced – it should be serviced annually.
• Keep the name of a plumber handy – type in your postcode at www.watersafe.org.uk  to find your nearest accredited plumbing business.

Ends

All media enquiries to NI Water Press Office email press.office@niwater.com

When checking your home is winterproof, why not take the time to check the age of your water supply pipes.

If your house is older than 1970 you may have lead water pipes. For information about how you can find and deal with lead pipes please visit: www.niwater.com/lead-pipes