Protect Your Water Pipes this Winter

17 November 2016 17:02

Department for Infrastructure Minister, Chris Hazzard and Sara Venning, Chief Executive of NI Water, had a clear message for the public, ‘Don’t Wait – Insulate!’ at the launch of the winter Campaign at Parliament Buildings.  

The message calls on the public to take action now to ensure homes and businesses are prepared for the cold weather conditions.

Chris Hazzard said: “Everyone has a role to play in preparing for winter. While NI Water works to ensure our water network is ready for colder weather, home and business owners should also be taking their own steps to prepare their properties.  

The ‘Don’t Wait Insulate!’ advertising campaign is being rolled out through various media outlets including radio, print and billboards.  

The Minister continued: “The advice is simple; act now, take some time today to ensure that water pipes are protected and well insulated. Just a few simple steps could save you from the distress, cost and inconvenience of a burst pipe.”

Chief Executive of NI Water, Sara Venning, commented:

“The devastation caused by burst pipes cannot be underestimated.  Not only can the water cause structural damage to a property, but the lasting damage in
a home can be to personal items, including photographs and electrical equipment such as tablets, iPads and laptops, that may not be replaceable.

“On a wider scale, if you imagine the impact of thousands of litres of water pouring out of burst water pipes; any water distribution network would struggle to maintain continuity of supply in those circumstances.  Insulating your pipework is an essential action to protect your water supply and that of your neighbours.”

The launch was supported by representatives from a number of organisations, including CCNI, UFU and NIRTA.  

There are lots of simple steps households can take to prepare for a cold winter and now is a great time to get ahead and make sure homes are snug:

• Wrap up pipes and water tanks with lagging – DIY stores have everything you need
• Fix dripping taps – even a small trickle can result in a frozen pipe
• Find your home’s stop tap and make sure you can turn it off – most are under the kitchen sink
• Leave the heating on low if you go away
• Check your central heating boiler has been serviced
• Keep the name of a plumber handy – type in your postcode at watersafe.org.uk to find your nearest accredited plumbing business.

Further Information & Advice

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All media enquiries to NI Water Press Office on 028 9035 4710 or email press.office@niwater.com