With the recent cold weather forecast in Northern Ireland this week set to continue, NI Water want to remind the public to be aware of the risk of frozen pipes and give advice on how you can wrap up your pipes over the winter months!

Freezing temperatures also bring the risk of freeze-thaw damage to water pipes, with unoccupied homes, public buildings and businesses particularly at risk when temperatures suddenly rise after below freezing conditions.

NI Water is reminding the public that now is the prime time to wrap up your water pipes while you are wrapping up yourself.

 

NI Water’s Stephanie McCullagh, Director of Customer and Operations, said: “NI Water wants to remind the public that preparing your home for winter is extremely important. A burst pipe isn’t just an unfortunate annoyance, it can cause damage to your home and possessions. Burst pipes can cause structural damage to property, along with damaging items such as photographs and electrical equipment such as tablets, iPads and laptops that cannot be easily replaced. 

“Not only do you put your own home and belongings at risk, but also that of neighbours. Insulating your pipework is an essential action to protect your water supply and that of your neighbours. 

“There are many ways you can protect your home this winter. You can wrap up your pipes and water tanks with lagging - these items are easily available at DIY stores. Fix any dripping taps as even a few small droplets can result in a frozen pipe. Find your property’s stop tap and make sure you know how to turn it off- most can be found under your kitchen sink.

“Outdoor taps can often be overlooked in winter. A frozen outdoor tap can be frustrating if you were wanting to wash the car or fill the dog bowl but can also cause more serious damage if the pipe bursts and causes a joint inside your property to come apart and leak. An insulating tap cover is a simple and effective way to protect them by adding an extra layer of protection.”

NI Water’s website offers lots of helpful advice on simple steps people can take to winterproof their premises over the winter months, including the following tips:

• 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 www.watersafe.org.uk   to find your nearest accredited plumbing business

• To report a leak please contact NI Water online at www.niwater.com/report-a-leak-or-burst-pipe or on 0800 0282011. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Ends

Notes to editors

When checking your home is winterproof, why not take the time to check the age of your water supply pipes. For information about how you can find and deal with lead pipes please visit: www.niwater.com/lead-pipes 

Media enquiries to the NI Water Press Office via email to press.office@niwater.com