PRESS RELEASE: 15/02/2021
Scottish Water is reminding householders and businesses across Scotland to ensure water pipes on their property are checked and protected during the winter to prevent burst pipes and flooding in freezing temperatures and reduce the risk of damage to properties and contents.
With a period of extremely low temperatures being followed by a thaw, Scottish Water is advising anyone with a home, business premises or holiday home to take action to check, heat, insulate and protect their properties, whether the property is old or new.
If your home or property has been vacant over the winter months and has not been visited or insulated, it may be worthwhile checking this to ensure there are no bursts
Last week’s sub-zero temperatures were a massive challenge, with Scottish Water battling against the elements across the country to ensure we maintained normal services to customers or restored them as quickly as possible if there has been disruption.
The rise in temperatures this week is a reminder that there is a risk that water pipes in homes and businesses may be affected by a thaw following the freezing temperatures and that this could be repeated if there is any further spell of sustained sub-zero temperatures.
Scottish Water is advising customers of 4 key things they can do to minimise the risk of bursts during spells of very cold weather followed by a rise in temperatures.
- Check: check any pipework for leaks, particularly if the building is not permanently inhabited. If you are not living or working in the property, make sure you or someone else can check regularly for any problems.
- Heat: Warmth offers the best protection against frozen pipes, so when temperatures are low leave your heating on a low setting or set it to come on a couple of times a day.
- Insulate: Pipes don’t like the cold – whether they are outdoor or indoor, metal or plastic, new or old. Making sure pipes and water tanks are properly insulated is one of the simplest, and cheapest, things which can be done to help protect properties from the cold. Make sure that there are no gaps at bends, valves or fitting, and that you use a suitable insulation material.
- Protect: Dripping water increases the risk of freezing, so have any drips or leaks at taps or valves repaired as soon as you discover them and reduce draughts by fitting draught excluders to doors and windows.
Even when your home or property is winter ready sometimes damages can happen, so make sure you have adequate buildings and content insurance.
If your home or property is going to be vacant over the winter months, turn off your water supply and drain the system. A licensed plumber will be able to give advice about this.
If your home or property has been vacant over the winter months and has not been visited or insulated, it may be worthwhile checking this to ensure there are no bursts. We encourage this on the basis that your property is local and that checking it does not breach current Covid-19 guidelines.
Other important winter advice includes tips on finding and using your stop valve, keeping a small emergency pack handy, and be a good neighbour and keep an eye out for your neighbours including the elderly and those who might need additional support.
For more updates from Scottish Water follow them on Twitter @scottish_water and Facebook facebook.com/scottishwater
and use hashtag #SWwinter
