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Keep the water flowing in your home this winter

Some top tips to prepare your home for the colder months

With your wonderfully clean water always on tap, it's easy to forget how it's gets into your home. It's important to protect your pipes at all times, especially when it's Winter.

Very cold weather can cause the water in your pipes to freeze. This causes the pressure to increase, causing pipes to burst and joints to pull apart. That's why it's essential to check your pipes inside and outside your home on a regular basis.

Keep your water flowing, and your home cosy and warm by taking some simple actions before the temperatures drop.

Keep the heat circulating

Make sure the inside is as warm as it can be. By leaving your heating on a low temperature or set to come on at regular intervals when you're out or away will keep the water flowing. This can help prevent bursts and frozen pipes inside and outside your home.

Fixing a dripping tap

By fixing any dripping taps or leaky showerheads can make a massive difference. Even small trickles of water can lead to frozen pipes. You can check out local plumbers in your area or on Watersafe's website if you need to find someone close to you to help.

Wrap your pipes

Insulating your pipes help prevent them from freezing and bursting. By Insulating your cold water tank and lagging your pipes, especially those that could be exposed to changes in temperature will not only help protect them, but you could also save money on your heating bill. You can buy lagging material at DIY stores.

What to do if your pipes freeze

If it's cold outside, and you've got no water then you may have frozen pipes. First of all, check with your neighbours to see if they have water. Then turn off the main water supply at your stop tap. Slowly thawing the pipes by applying a gentle heat such as a warm towel can help thaw your pipes. Remember not to use a naked flame, and to keep the heat moving to prevent any cracks or damage. Lastly, turn the supply back on and check to see if your water is flowing.

What to do if a pipe bursts

    If you're unlucky enough to have a frozen water pipe burst, don't panic. Check inside and outside your home to see if you can spot any signs of visible leaks or burst pipes. Then isolate the water supply by turning off your internal stop tap. Switch off the central heating and electricity, and contact a plumber to help with the repair.

What can I do if I have no water?

Check with your neighbours to see if they have water, and check our interactive map for any area issues that could be causing the loss of supply.
Check your area

Where will I find my stop tap?

Internal stop taps are usually found under the kitchen sink or in a downstairs loo. They'll be on the pipe where the cold water comes into your home. Make sure you can turn it on/off in the event of an emergency. 
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Can you help me find a plumber?

We’re always happy to recommend a local WaterSafe plumber in your area. If you and your neighbours are without water, get in touch now.  
Find a plumber

During this cold weather, look out for friends, family and neighbours    

Some people have medical conditions or other circumstances, which means a disruption to their water supply can cause huge problems for them. Our priority services can help these customers when they need it most.  

Call our 24-hour Customer Centre on 0800 085 8033.