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Prepare your home and keep your water flowing this winter

Winter can bring its share of surprises, especially for your home’s plumbing. Freezing temperatures can cause water to expand within your pipes, creating pressure that can lead to bursts and leaks. Don’t let the cold weather catch you off guard—explore our tips to winter-proof your home and keep your water flowing smoothly!

1. Protect those pipes (and your home!)

Protecting pipes from the cold is the first step in winterizing your home. Pipe lagging is an easy, affordable solution and you can pick it up from your local DIY store. It’s especially important to insulate pipes in unheated areas like garages, lofts, and basements. Don't forget to fix any leaks, clear out your gutters, and check your roof for damage to keep your home safe and dry.

Tip: You can also get a FREE tap jacket by taking our My WaterFootprint Quiz and joining Save Our Streams to protect your outside taps too!

2. Maintain a cosy temperature

Keeping your heating on a low setting helps prevent costly plumbing issues from frozen pipes. If you’re going away, consider leaving the thermostat on low to keep pipes warm.

Other tips for keeping warm this winter:

  • Make sure your boiler has been serviced
  • Bleed your radiators
  • Draught-proof your windows and doors for maximum insulation

3. Locate your stop taps

In case of a burst pipe, knowing where your stop taps are can make all the difference. A quick shut-off can help prevent extensive water damage to your home, and therefore avoid any costly fixes.

 

How to find your stop tap

Our handy how to guides

Our video guides cover everything from finding stop taps to wrapping up pipes. Follow these simple instructions to get your home winter-ready.

 

Our commitment to a worry-free winter for you

We’re not just here for emergencies. As the winter chill sets in, we’ve prepared by testing, restocking, and making sure our teams and equipment are ready 24/7 to keep your water flowing. Here’s how we’re supporting you this season:

  • Stocking up on sand bags, salt and grit to manage any icy or frozen leaks
  • Servicing our vehicles to make sure they’re winter ready
  • Stocking bottled water in case of any water supply interruptions
How we manage incidents and support our customers

Extra assistance for those in need

Winter brings additional needs, and our Priority Services Register makes sure extra help is available. We’re committed to supporting those with additional requirements and making sure everyone has what they need, from bottled water to assistance with bills. If you have a vulnerable friend, family member, or neighbour, checking in on them during winter can make a big difference. Whether it’s for yourself or someone close to you, let us know if extra help is needed this winter by registering for Priority Services.

Register for Priority Services today

Know who to call

If you encounter issues this winter, it’s important you know who to call for assistance:

For a warmer, worry-free winter, start preparing your home today and remember, we’re here to support you every step of the way!

 

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