DUE TO the current cold snap, South East Water is advising its customers to protect pipes and outside taps now to prevent a domestic disaster.
The company warned that unprotected water pipes in homes and businesses are at risk of freezing and bursting — leading to extensive water damage throughout the property.
When a pipe bursts inside the home or in the boundary of a property they are usually the home owner’s responsibility to repair.
To prevent this, the company is offering free industry approved pipe lagging and outdoor tap protectors through its website. They can also be bought from DIY stores.
Steve Andrews, head of central operations at the company, said: “By insulating water pipes and outdoor taps now, this will help prevent them from freezing and bursting.
“Locating the internal stop tap is another winter task so water flowing into the property can be immediately shut off if a pipe does burst.
“We are also asking people to spread this message to their family, friends and neighbours to help them avoid further misery and expense cold weather can bring.”
Residents facing a water pipe emergency should turn off the water supply at the stop tap and switch off the boiler. Then residents should open all taps to drain the system as quickly as possible, saving some water in a bucket for flushing toilets and hand washing.
When the water stops running, all taps should be turned off.
If water has leaked near electrics, residents should not touch them and instead switch them off at the fuse box.
For the winter lagging kit, additional advice and a video on how to protect water pipes, visit: southeastwater.co.uk/winter
To find a qualified plumber, visit: watersafe.org.uk or call 0333 207 9030
