United Utilities encourages customers to act now to protect their pipes ahead of cold snap

Find your stop tap and check it works

With the Met Office warning of a wintry cold snap and potential for snow in the coming days, United Utilities is encouraging customers across the north of England to take steps now to protect their water pipes and avoid bursts and flooding.

When water freezes it expands, putting more pressure on pipes and joints which can cause them split or pull apart. Then, as the water in the pipe thaws, water can then pour through the damaged pipe, flooding into properties.

United Utilities says customers and businesses still have time to act to prevent this ahead of the “highly amplified” jet stream which could bring freezing conditions and snow to the region.

The North West water company is offering tips on how to prepare homes and businesses by thinking PIPE:

• Prepare - know where your stop tap is and check it works. It’s usually under the kitchen sink but can also be in garages or cellars. Have the number of a plumber at hand and check if a water pipe leak or burst is covered on your home or business insurance.
• Insulate - insulate pipes in cold places like outside and in the garage and loft. Insulating hot water pipes will also prevent heat from escaping and help save money on your energy bills.
• Protect - any other exposed equipment, such as outside taps with an insulated cover.
• Easy - do it because it's easy and could save you hundreds of pounds in damage from flooding.

More tips and information are available at: www.unitedutilities.com/winterwise.

As the temperature drops, United Utilities is also reminding customers about its Priority Services scheme. This provides a range of additional support for those who are elderly, in ill health, have a disability or mental health problem, as well as for customers who may have financial worries or language barriers.

For more information and to register, visit: www.unitedutilities.com/help-and-support/priority-services/ or call the Priority Services team direct on 0345 672 2888.