Tips to stop pipes freezing this winter as North East…

Tips to stop pipes freezing this winter as North East families struggle during cost of living crisis

Families across the North East have been struggling to heat their homes and put meals on the table during the cost of living crisis.

The increase in the cost of energy bills and products on supermarket shelves mean that purse strings are tighter than ever before. More people in the region are now using food banks to ensure they can feed their family.

Northumbrian Water supplies 2.7 million customers in the region with water and sewerage services. The water company is encouraging residents to maintain their properties in order to avoid the costs and devastation that can be caused by frozen pipes.

As the colder days start drawing in, there is a greater risk of pipes freezing or bursting. According to the Association of British Insurers, a burst pipe could cost on average a whopping £8,800 to fix.

Residents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with their stop-tap, so if an emergency hits, they can act quickly and efficiently by isolating the water to their own home.

In the event of frozen pipes, Northumbrian Water is suggesting that warm towels or hot water bottles should be wrapped around the pipe to help thaw the ice.

Hairdryers or pipe lagging can also ease the freeze. However naked flames or blowtorches should never be used.

Colin Day, head of service water planning at Northumbrian Water, said: "As pennies seem to be tighter than ever before, we really want to make sure that our customers are well-equipped to beat the freeze.

"As Christmas is around the corner, it is so important for our customers to maintain their pipes to minimise the risk of losing hot running water over the upcoming festive period.

"If customers follow our simple tips, then it will significantly minimise the risk of frozen pipes or bursts."

Generic image of a woman pouring water from a kettle into mug (Shared Content Unit)

The water company has also shared tips on how to keep the cost of bills down during the most expensive months of the year.

These include:

Only using your kettle to boil the amount of water needed for your hot drink
Swapping a soak in the bath for a shower

Colin added: "Putting the kettle on is usually one of the first things people do to warm up – so we are encouraging our customers save water, energy and money by only boiling the amount of water needed for their hot drink.

"Swapping a long soak in the bath for a shower is also a good way of keeping bills to a minimum. By showering instead, customers can save up to 30 litres of water each time, and a shorter shower will help to save money on energy bills too, by heating less water."

In the event of a burst, residents are asked to visit www.watersafe.org.uk or call 0333 207 9030, to find a Water-Safe-approved local plumber.

The water company is also asking the public to help spot outdoor leaks. Extreme cold weather can cause pipe damage, so leaks can be reported here - Report a problem (nwl.co.uk)

For more water-saving tips, visit - https://www.nwl.co.uk/winter

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