NI Water warns pipes at risk as temperatures rise

19 January 2024 12:20

With recent below freezing temperatures forecast to suddenly rise this weekend, NI Water is asking customers to check their properties for burst pipes. 

Freeze-thaw happens when temperatures suddenly rise after very cold weather, resulting in burst pipes which can cause huge disruption and which can also be difficult and costly to repair.

Uninsulated pipes, unoccupied properties and pipes that are more exposed to the cold, such as outdoor taps and pipes in lofts, are particularly at risk of freeze-thaw bursts.

NI Water Education Officer Anna Killen said: “Home and business owners should check their properties now, ensure someone has access and keep contact details for a plumber handy should they need to call them in an emergency.

“If you do experience a burst, the first thing you should do is turn off your stop valve. It’s usually located under the kitchen sink but could also be in a kitchen cupboard, downstairs bathroom, garage, utility room, basement or under the stairs. It normally closes by turning clockwise. You should then block any escaping water with thick, heavy cloths and call a qualified plumber.”

NI Water’s website offers lots of helpful advice on dealing with frozen pipes at www.niwater.com/winter-proof-your-home, including the following tips:

• Turn off the water supply at the stop tap/valve to shut off the flow of water into your property. NI Water has produced a FREE tag for customers to loop around their stop tap/valve to help ensure they are aware of where it is located and to make it easily identifiable in the event of a burst pipe. To order yours go to www.getwaterfit.co.uk
• Try to block escaping water with thick cloth like towels
• Thaw along the pipe, starting with the nearest end to the tap, and be careful not to warm them too quickly. Don’t use a blow lamp or naked flame. Instead, put hot water bottles or a thick cloth soaked in hot water over the frozen pipe or use a hair dryer at its lowest setting to thaw pipes
• Don’t leave taps dripping or running. The water may not flush down the plug hole if the pipes are frozen
• Call an approved plumber. NI Water recommends you use a WaterSafe approved plumber. You can search for your nearest approved plumber at www.WaterSafe.org.uk by entering your postcode or by telephoning 0333 2079030
• Don’t forget to turn off taps once the problem is fixed to avoid wasting water
• If you spot a burst pipe when you are out and about, whether it’s a trickle of water or a gushing pipe, alerting NI Water’s dedicated 24/7 Leakline number on 0800 028 2011 or via www.niwater.com/report-a-leak-or-burst-pipe/ will help them get to it faster and therefore cause less disruption to customers

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