Be frost wise

22/12/2004

Freeze out the frost this Christmas and keep your water pipes flowing.

Northumbrian Water would like to remind customers of the need to protect their water pipes and beat the freeze this winter.  Frosty weather can cause water pipes to freeze and then burst.

If planning to go away over the Christmas holiday period, take some sensible precautions ensuring everything will be safe and dry:

set heating to come on for short periods every day, or ask a neighbour to visit to turn the heating on and off;
if there is a freeze keyholders for offices, factories, shops or schools are advised to visit the property to check the pipes have not frozen or burst;
have the name and telephone number of a plumber to hand in case of an emergency;
ensure pipes and tanks in the loft are lagged;
mend any dripping taps or overflows;
check the loft tank lid – it should be insulated, and fit properly;
lag pipes in unheated outhouses and garages;
if possible, turn off the supply to your garden, garage and outhouse taps and drain the pipes.

Turning off the water supply at the internal stop-tap and draining pipes and tanks is the best option if Christmas breaks away are for a long period of time.

If water pipes do freeze, the steps outlined below should be followed:

turn off water at the internal stop-tap;
turn off central heating boilers and fires which heat back boilers;
turn on all taps to drain the system (do not leave any plugs in);
check pipes for splits;
call a plumber.

Remember, prevention is far more effective than cure, be frost wise this winter!

For further information please contact Joanne Dye, Communications Adviser, on 0191 301 6733.