Stay warm and snug this winter!
When the weather turns cold and rainy, we wrap up warm – the same goes for your home. Burst pipes cause misery and expense, but you can prevent them with a few simple steps.
Autumn checklist
Bleed your radiators
This will improve efficiency and reduce the risk of the radiator pipes freezing. Turn the top valve to release air, then tighten again when a droplet of water appears.
Keep an eye on gutters
Blocked gutters can freeze and split, or overspill. Either way, rainwater runs down your walls instead of your pipes, which can lead to damp problems. Check gutters are clear to avoid issues.
Turn off your outdoor tap
If you have an external tap, turn it off at the stop tap. If you use the tap through the winter, you could fit an insulated cover to prevent the pipe from freezing.
Burst pipes
A burst pipe can damage your home. There are ways to reduce the risk, but you should also know what to do if you’re unlucky enough to experience a burst.
Insulate pipes
Lagging pipes protects against bursts and helps make your heating more efficient. To fit lagging, simply cut to the right length, wrap around the pipe and secure with duct tape or cable ties. Cut a 45-degree angle to go round corners.
Keep the heating on
It costs more to fix a burst pipe than to run your heating on low. If you’re going away, leave your heat on a low setting (around 15C) so your pipes don’t freeze. Do the same, day and night, in cold snaps.
Know where the stop tap is
To minimise the damage caused by a burst pipe, use a stop tap to turn off your water. Practise turning it off – clockwise to tighten (right to tight!)
Have the number of a reliable plumber
If a pipe is leaking in your home, there’s no time to waste! Keep the details of a certified plumber to hand for emergencies.
Check for leaks
A drippy pipe can push up water bills, damage your home and means a full burst is more likely. Fix leaks as soon as you can.
Check your meter readings
If you have a water meter, keep a look out for unexpectedly high readings – this suggests you have a leak. You can track your water usage using MyAccount.
Watch out for damp spots
Leaks can be in hard-to-reach areas under floorboards. Watch out for damp or mouldy spots, noisy pipes or low water pressure. You might see a damp spot outdoors if the leak is under your driveway.
Making smart choices in winter
Keep your home warm by sealing draughts
Simple things like sealing the gaps around your doors can help to keep you warm, saving on heating bills and helping to prevent burst pipes.
Sign up for Priority Services
If you need extra support due to being older or having an illness or disability, we can help. Being on the Priority Services register is free and it means you’re prioritised in an emergency – for example, if the water supply is temporarily closed off.
Get a water meter
Bills are usually lower with a water meter, especially if there are more bedrooms than people in your home.
Let us know if you’re finding it hard to pay your water bill
Bills for things like heating and electricity are usually higher in winter. If you’re finding it hard to manage your water bill, there are ways we can help. From spreading the cost throughout the year to seeing if you’re eligible for a money-saving tariff, just get in touch to talk things through.