Water tips to avoid getting frozen out

Scottish Water has issued a reminder to householders and businesses to follow its simple winter code to protect pipes and keep the water cycle running smoothly.

The organisation’s winter campaign recommends a three-point guide to help avoid the misery, inconvenience and cost of failing to be prepared, with consequence of frozen or burst pipes caused by sub-zero conditions.

The Scottish Water Winter Code advises anyone with a home, holiday home or business premises to take action to heat, insulate and protect their properties, whether the property is old or new.

If householders are going away or businesses closing over the festive period, and properties will be left empty, the recommendation is to should turn off the water supply and drain the system.

A leaflet, available via www. scottishwater.co.uk/winter, provides guidance on what steps to take to help prevent a frozen or burst pipe, how to locate a stop valve, what to do in an emergency and how Scottish Water can help.

Peter Farrer, the utility company’s chief operating officer, said:“Anyone who has returned to their house or work to find everything ankle deep in freezing water with carpets, furniture and equipment all ruined, will know only too well of the misery a burst pipe in winter can cause.

“By taking action to heat, insulate and protect properties, customers can avoid the considerable headache and heartache caused by burst pipes.

“We want to work with our customers to ensure we are all prepared for the sort of weather conditions that have been forecast.

“Preventing frozen pipes also means we all play a part in ensuring the water cycle never stops.

“Water is a precious resource and Scottish Water puts a lot of work into keeping it that way.

“Water pouring straight back into the drains as a result of a burst pipe that could have been prevented costs us all money.”

The key advice in Scottish Water’s winter code is:

• Heat: Warmth offers the best protection against frozen pipes, so leave your heating on a low setting, or set it to come on a couple of times a day. If you are going away, ensure someone can visit regularly to check for any problems.

If the property is vacant over winter, turn off the water supply and drain the system.

• Insulate: Ensure your water tank is fitted with an insulation jacket or wrapped with suitable insulation material. Water pipes, tanks or toilet cisterns in unheated outbuildings or exposed places should also be insulated. If not in use over winter, have them drained.

• Protect: Dripping water increases the risk of freezing, so repair any leaks at taps or valves as soon as possible. Also reduce draughts, which can cause frozen pipework, by fitting draught excluders.

See www.scottishwater.co.uk for more.