Prepare for winter problems

Householders in Paisley are being urged to take action this autumn to ensure their property and pipes are protected ahead of winter.

Scottish Water has issued a reminder to property owners that preparing now for winter will help prevent problems.

These could include burst pipes and flooding in the event of freezing temperatures at the end of the year and into the first few months of 2019.

With extremes of weather experienced in Scotland this year – from heavy snow and sustained sub- zero temperatures to the hottest summer in decades – householders and businesses should adopt a “prepare now” approach.

Temperatures varied this year from - 15C during the Beast from the East to around 32C at the height of the summer. During the severe winter weather, Scottish Water dealt with about 700 customer-reported bursts in a month.

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, ahead of any cold weather.

Scottish Water’s chief operating officer, Peter Farrer, said: “It is only a few months ago that we were experiencing heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures across Scotland. During summer we experienced the opposite extreme when the hot weather settled in for weeks on end.

“With autumn now here, it’s the ideal time to prepare for the possibility of further severe weather and the potential impact that has on property. Taking action now can prevent the misery of damage to property and pipes in the months to come.

“By taking steps 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 whatever winter weather we get.” Scottish Water is also offering a free quick reminder stop valve sticker, where you can write the name and contact number of your local licensed plumber so that it is handy in case of an emergency.

Visit www.scottishwater. co.uk/winter for more winter information, advice and films.

For the free stop valve sticker email customermarketing@ scottishwater.co.uk, or write to Customer Marketing, Free Stop Valve Sticker, PO Box 8855, Edinburgh EH10 6YQ