Getting your home ready for winter
Little things you can do to keep your home leak-free this winter.
Stay warm and snug this winter!
It’s getting cold out there now. In the same way we’re reaching for our hats, scarves and gloves to keep ourselves toasty, our waterpipes need similar protection. If they get too cold, the water inside them freezes, expands and can split the pipe.
Autumn checklist
Look after your boiler
An unexpected spell of cold weather is often the time people find out their boiler or heating system has a problem. Get it serviced at the start of winter and you’ll know it’s fighting fit and working efficiently to keep you warm all winter.
Know where your stop taps are
If you know exactly where your stop tap is, you’ll be able to turn the water off quicker in an emergency. Stop taps are often located under your kitchen sink, but may also be under the stairs, near your front door or in the pavement outside your home.
Practice turning off your stop tap – clockwise to tighten (right to tight).
Going away? Leave the heating on low
If you’re going away and leaving the house empty, remember to keep your heating on low (min 14ºC). This will help to stop your pipes freezing and reduce the chances of coming back to burst pipes and a soggy home.
Check your outdoor taps
Look for drips, these can freeze and cause a build-up of ice that can cause the pipes to freeze back into your home. Wrap them up or fit a tap jacket.
Protect exposed pipes
Lagging pipes protects against bursts and helps make your heating more efficient.
Look after pipes that are in locations exposed to cold air – the garage, loft or outdoors. Wrap them up with lagging or fit pipe insulation to help prevent them freezing and bursting, then flooding your home when it thaws.
Have the number of a reliable plumber
If a pipe is leaking in your home, there’s no time to waste. Keep the details of a certified plumber to hand for emergencies. You may also want to check if your home insurance policy to see if you’re covered for plumbing emergencies.
Check for leaks
A drippy pipe can push up water bills, damage your home and means a full burst is more likely. Fix leaks as soon as you can.
Check your meter readings
If you have a water meter, keep a look out for unexpectedly high readings – this suggests you have a leak. You can track your water usage using MyAccount.
Watch out for damp spots
Leaks can be in hard-to-reach areas under floorboards. Watch out for damp or mouldy spots, noisy pipes or low water pressure. You might see a damp spot outdoors if the leak is under your driveway.
Making smart choices in winter
Keep your home warm by sealing draughts
Simple things like sealing the gaps around your doors can help to keep you warm, saving on heating bills and helping to prevent burst pipes.
Sign up for Priority Services
If you need extra support due to being older or having an illness or disability, we can help. Being on the Priority Services register is free and it means you’re prioritised in an emergency – for example, if the water supply is temporarily closed off.
Get a water meter
Bills are usually lower with a water meter, especially if there are more bedrooms than people in your home.
Let us know if you’re finding it hard to pay your water bill
Bills for things like heating and electricity are usually higher in winter. If you’re finding it hard to manage your water bill, there are ways we can help. From spreading the cost throughout the year to seeing if you’re eligible for a money-saving tariff, just get in touch to talk things through.