Water Company Winter Advice

Happy New Year! It is that time of year when we have to get back to normal after the fun and enjoyment of Christmas.

The weather now can take a a turn for the worse in the UK and you can take some simple steps to ensure that 2025 doesn't start with a costly plumbing bill.

The main UK water companies have advice on their websites to help you prevent problems and save money in cold weather. To see if your water provider can offer any help or guidance we have collated a list of their relevant winter help web pages.

England

Anglian Water

o    Serving the East of England and Hartlepool.

o    Advice Page: https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/help-and-advice/get-ready-for-winter/

Northumbrian Water

o    Serving the North East of England

o    Advice Page:https://www.nwl.co.uk/services/water/winter-weather-advice/

Severn Trent Water

o    Serving the Midlands, and into some areas of Wales.

o    Advice Page: https://www.stwater.co.uk/my-supply/wintertogether/protecting-your-home-this-winter/

South West Water

o    Serving Devon, Cornwall, and parts of Dorset and Somerset.

o    Advice Page: https://www.southwestwater.co.uk/about-us/latest-news/protect-your-pipes-and-fight-the-freeze-this-winter

Southern Water

o    Serving Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Sussex, and Kent.

o    Advice Page:https://www.southernwater.co.uk/help-and-support/prepare-your-home-for-winter/

Thames Water

o    Serving London and the Thames Valley.

o    Advice Page:https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/water-and-waste-help/frozen-or-burst-pipes

United Utilities

o    Serving the North West of England.

o    Advice Page:https://www.unitedutilities.com/help-and-support/winter/

Wessex Water

o    Serving the South West of England.

o    Advice Page:https://www.wessexwater.co.uk/your-water/how-to-prepare-your-home-for-winter

Wales

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water

o    Serving Wales

o    Advice Page:https://www.dwrcymru.com/en/winter-ready

Scotland

Scottish Water

o    Serving all of Scotland

o    Advice Page:https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/About-Us/News-and-Views/2023/10/131023-Protect-Pipes

Northern Ireland

NI Water

o    Serving Northern Ireland

o    Advice Page:https://www.niwater.com/winter-films/

General Advice (Common Themes across all companies):

The above links do give helpful advice to help keep your home warm and dry during the winter months. There are some common themes across all the water providers which are summarised below:

• Insulate Pipes: Use pipe lagging (insulation) on all exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like lofts, garages, and outside. Pay particular attention to pipes near external walls.
• Know Your Stop Tap: Locate your internal stop tap (usually under the kitchen sink or in a utility room) so you can quickly shut off the water supply in case of a burst pipe.
• Maintain Heating: Leave your heating on low during very cold periods, even if you're away. This helps keep pipes from freezing.
• Check for Leaks: Regularly check for any signs of leaks. Small leaks can quickly become big problems during freezing conditions.
• Be Aware of Vulnerable Neighbours: Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours who may need help protecting their homes from freezing temperatures.
• Bleeding Radiators: If you have a radiator system, ensure to bleed any trapped air to help your heating system work more efficiently.
• Use a Qualified Plumber: If you need plumbing work done, use a reputable and qualified plumber from an approved list (Like Watersafe) if possible.

Watersafe

WaterSafe is a free online search facility funded by the water industry to help customers find competent and qualified plumbers, water supply pipe installers and other water services specialists in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

They provide winter advice and plumber contacts if you need professional advice. More information can be found here:https://www.watersafe.org.uk/advice/general_plumbing_advice/winter_advice/