United Utilities advises customers to protect their homes and businesses this winter

United Utilities is advising customers to check and insulate water pipes in their homes and businesses ahead of the colder winter weather hitting.

2024 brought some icy weather, with snow across many parts of the region; but sub-zero temperatures can cause pipework to freeze and when the weather starts to warm again, it can put strain on the pipes causing them to crack, leak or burst.

United Utilities is asking the North West to think PIPE this winter to ensure they are protected:

Prepare – know where your stop tap is and check it works.  Have a number of a plumber at hand or check if a water pipe leak or burst is covered on your home or business insurance.

Insulate – insulate pipes in cold places like outside and in the garage and loft.

Protect – any other exposed equipment, such as outside taps with an insulated cover.

Easy – do it because it’s easy, cheap and we’ll show you how.

Wrap your pipes with lagging and pay particular attention to the pipes in cold areas, such as a garage, cellar or those outside your property, as these are most likely to freeze when the temperature drops. Pipes in your loft space are also susceptible to feeling the chill and would be benefit from their own insulation ‘duvet’ to stop the colder weather causing any problems.

There’s lots of fantastic advice and simple instructions on our website, which can really help avoid the heart-breaking and costly situation of dealing with burst pipes.

For more information on how to best prepare and dealing with frozen pipes, visit www.unitedutilities.com/winter