Flow of advice to beat the freeze

23/11/2005

Two North East weather presenters are wrapped up in a campaign to beat the freeze this winter.

The cold, frosty weather has arrived and Northumbrian Water is advising customers to follow some simple steps to avoid frozen and burst water pipes.

To prevent water pipes freezing:

Water pipes and tanks should be properly insulated.
Customers should find out where the private stop tap for the property is located.
Heating should be set to come on for short periods every day to help prevent water pipes freezing.
If the property is going to be unoccupied, the water supply should be turned off at the private stop tap and internal water pipes and tanks should be drained.
Windows and doors should be checked for draughts and insulated where possible.  Water pipes can freeze overnight if near to a draught.

If water pipes do freeze:

The private stop tap and central heating boilers should be turned off.  Fires, which heat back boilers, should be put out.
All taps should be turned on to drain the water system – ensure no plugs are in sinks.
Gentle heat should be applied to frozen pipes by using either a hair dryer, heat lamp or fan heater – naked flames or blowtorches should not be used.  Heat should be applied to a frozen pipe starting from the tap – the tap should be left open to allow thawed water to run off.
When the pipe has thawed the private stop tap should be turned on slowly.
Private pipework should be checked for leaks.  If a leak is found the water supply should be turned off at the private stop tap and a plumber should be contacted.

BBC weatherman, Paul Mooney, said:  “As the cold weather approaches everyone should look after themselves and their properties – both should be wrapped up warm. 

“If people listen to the advice from Northumbrian Water the forecast should be dry properties, with less risk of frozen water pipes and a stress-free outlook!”

Northumbrian Water’s Cara Hall said:  “Water pipes which freeze and then burst can cause unnecessary damage to homes and businesses, inconvenience and hassle.  We ask customers to follow our simple advice to ensure their properties stay flood-free this winter.”

For further advice and a copy of the ‘Beat the freeze’ leaflet customers should ring the Northumbrian Water customer centre on 0845 717 1100 or they can log onto www.nwl.co.uk/beatthefreeze.

For further information contact Cara Hall on 0191 301 6720.