Check your pipes to protect your home in freezing weather

02 January 2025 16:01

With the recent snow and 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 next few colder weeks.

The freezing cold temperatures 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 Education Officer Anna Killen said “This cold weather is a good reminder that preparing your home for winter is very important. A burst pipe isn’t just an annoyance, it can bring a potential risk of causing damage to your home and possessions and also that of neighbours.

“There are lots of different ways that you can protect your home this winter. 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 irritating 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

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