Are you prepared for pipe problems?

The company is encouraging customers to make sure that water pipes in their lofts and gardens are properly insulated, so they don’t freeze and then burst. With sub zero temperatures covering the UK in an icy grip, it is important that customers prepare their homes to avoid damaging their property.

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

Freezing temperatures can cause damage to pipes and property if people aren’t prepared. If pipes freeze during the night, the first you may be aware of a problem is when they thaw, causing water to stream from burst pipes in the loft, flooding rooms below. The consequences can be very damaging and upsetting, but this can be easily avoided by insulating exposed pipe work.

To prevent burst pipes:

Check where your stop taps are to isolate your water supply and check 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.

For more advice on how to protect your property from cold winter weather visit: www.affinitywater.co.uk/coldweather

You can also find additional information to help you during the winter months on the Government’s Get Ready for Winter initiative website, at:www.metoffice.gov.uk/getreadyforwinter