Be prepared for winter
Frozen and burst pipes cost businesses time and money. Follow the chart below to keep your pipes and profits flowing freely this winter or watch our video.
Start making preparations now to stay ahead of the big freeze. If there's a cold snap, you'll be as ready as you can be for it.
You can also find out what to do if the worst happens. A quick response will limit the damage if you suffer a flood.
Sign up for winter alerts
Stay ahead of the big freeze by signing up to our free winter alerts.
We'll email you when temperatures are forecast to drop in your area.
XHave you fixed any existing leaks?
Leaky taps and valves make your pipes more likely to freeze. A few quick fixes now could help you to avoid expensive repairs later.
Have you lagged any exposed pipes?
Lagging any exposed pipes is a cheap way to keep the chill out. Insulating walls and roof spaces can also prevent pipe problems.
Repair or call a plumber
Close the stop tap straight away, then open all hot and cold taps until they run dry. Less water in the system will minimise flood damage. Immediately call a plumber.
XWill you leave your heating on at a low setting?
Leave heating on low throughout winter if you can. Get a head start by checking that your heaters work properly before winter comes.
Will you drain your water system?
If a big freeze is forecast or you’re shutting for a spell, drain your system. Close the stop tap and run all hot and cold taps till they’re dry.
Have your pipes frozen?
Water expands as it freezes. To limit damage to your pipes and premises, use our emergency step-by-step guide for frozen pipes.
XHave your pipes burst?
If a pipe has sprung a leak, call in a registered plumber to repair it urgently. Let us know too - we may be able to adjust your water bill.
XCall a plumber
If your premises have flooded, it's likely that a pipe has burst. Follow our emergency step-by-step guide for burst pipes and immediately call a plumber.
XGently defrost
Wrap a heated cloth around the pipe, or use a hot water bottle or hairdryer. Open the closest tap and start thawing from the tap backwards. DO NOT use a naked flame to defrost pipes.
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