Scottish Water is urging householders and businesses to follow its simple winter code to protect their pipes, and keep the water cycle running smoothly, during spells of extreme cold weather.
A Scottish Water campaign – which is being launched ahead of winter – recommends a three-point guide to avoid the misery, inconvenience and cost of failing to take preventative measures to avoid burst pipes caused by freezing 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.
The campaign is being backed by Sean Batty, the STV weather forecaster (see pic attached), who warned against complacency after this year’s mild summer weather.
He said: “Last winter was mild with very little in the way of extreme temperatures, snow and ice, and after a quiet and warm summer, it would be a mistake for us to be lulled into thinking we may be in line for another mild winter. Over the last five years the winter season has been very volatile, going between very cold and very mild conditions, and it is important we take these sensible and simple actions to protect our homes and businesses against the elements.”
Scottish Water’s winter campaign is being supported by an information leaflet (available to download at our website www.scottishwater.co.uk) that provides important and helpful guidance on what steps to take to help prevent a burst or frozen pipe, how to locate a stop valve, what to do in an emergency and how Scottish Water can help.
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’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.
“But 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 whatever winter weather we get.
“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 our winter code is:
Heat: Warmth offers the best protection against frozen pipes, so leave your heating on. 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 on doors and windows.
Other important advice in the Scottish Water winter campaign includes tips on how to heat your property more effectively, finding and using your stop cock, keeping a small emergency pack handy and keeping an eye out for elderly or disabled neighbours.
This year, Scottish Water is also offering a free stop valve sticker, allowing property owners the chance to write the name and contact number of their local licensed plumber so that it is handily placed in case of emergency.
As one of the largest businesses in Scotland, Scottish Water is also taking steps across its operation to ensure it is well equipped to continue delivering the best service it can in the event of a severe winter. Employees will be working around the clock to maintain drinking water supplies to our 2.4 million household customers and more than 150,000 businesses.
Customers should visit www.scottishwater.co.uk/winter where they can find winter information, films and advice.
To apply for the free stop valve sticker write to:
Customer Marketing, Free Stop Valve Sticker, PO Box 8855, Edinburgh EH10 6YQ or e mail [email protected].
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