NI Water Further Appeal to Customers on Frozen Pipes
07 January 2010 17:18
Following ongoing freezing weather conditions and the recent problems this caused for the water supply in the North and West of the province, NI Water would like to remind customers that as we await the onset of the thaw, the threat of burst pipes remains and to follow the advice below in a bid to avoid frozen pipes in their homes and businesses. NI Water would appeal in particular to estate agents, farmers, schools, the Housing Executive and other government agencies, to ensure that any property lying vacant, and therefore unheated, is checked for burst pipes and that any pipe exposed to external temperatures is properly lagged. We would also ask that customers DO NOT run their taps unnecessarily.”Advice for customers:
NI Water’s tips for avoiding frozen pipes include:
1. Insulate water tanks and pipes in unheated areas like lofts, roof spaces, garages and outbuildings;
2. Fix dripping taps – a gentle trickle of water can freeze and completely block the pipe;
3. Keep your boiler well serviced to ensure your house is heated;
4. If you are on holiday during the winter period, open the trap door into the roof space to allow some of the warm air to circulate in the roof space;
5. If you are away from home you could leave a key with a neighbour, friend or family member who can check the house regularly for frozen pipes and to ensure there is adequate heat;
6. Know where your stop valve is in the case of an emergency - it is normally situated under the kitchen sink;
7. Write down the name and contact details of a SNIPEF (Scotland & Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers Federation) registered plumber in case a pipe does burst.
NI Water’s ‘Winter Warmer’ video can be viewed on our Youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/northernirelandwater . You can also download a leaflet from www.niwater.com/winterfreeze.asp