22 December 2009
Families who are going away for Christmas are being advised by United Utilities not to get caught out by freezing weather conditions over the festive period.
The company warns that year after year families suffer flooding misery from burst pipes after being caught out by the cold weather.
United Utilities water supply manager Simon Boyland said: "An icy spell can cause water in pipes to freeze, which is bad enough, but when the thaw sets in pipes can burst leaving people with a messy clean-up.
"Temperatures have been frosty over the last week but most people have been at home with the heating on which can prevent pipes from freezing.
"With the cold weather set to continue, if you are going away for a few days over Christmas or New Year, it makes sense to leave the heating constantly on low to help avoid coming home to a flood."
This is an effective "quick fix", but the best thing to do is make sure your home is really ready for winter.
Lagging pipes, locating, identifying and labelling stoptaps and valves and checking drains for blockages can all help.
Simon added: "It is amazing how many people have no idea where the stoptap is, so if pipes do burst the flood damage is even worse.
"Lagging pipes, repairing dripping taps and checking your heating are simple, cost-effective ways to get your home in shape."
Top tips to protect your home include:
- Make sure your loft insulation is 200mm thick.
- Insulate pipes with good quality waterproof foam lagging. Check the lagging meets British Standard 6700 and Water Supply Regulations.
- During cold snaps, keep central heating timers on constant. Use the thermostat to maintain a low temperature through the night, and while you're out during the day.
- Repair dripping taps.
- Locate, identify and label all stoptaps and valves. Make sure they're all working and can be easily turned on and off.
For further information visit www.unitedutilities.co.uk/TopTipsWinter