Scottish Water is stressing the importance of protecting household and business pipes from the cold weather this winter in Lanarkshire. With temperatures dropping below zero, there is a risk of pipes freezing, expanding, and eventually bursting. This can lead to significant damage and inconvenience for property owners. Scottish Water is advising property owners to take precautions to prevent burst pipes and flooding caused by the freeze-thaw cycle that often occurs during very cold weeks in Lanarkshire. Last winter, Scottish Water reported over 3100 bursts across the country’s water network, with more than 30% occurring on customers’ properties, resulting in water losses.
To mitigate the risk of burst pipes, Scottish Water recommends insulating and protecting properties and pipes. Property owners are advised to set room thermostats to 10°C if boilers do not have built-in frost protection, turn off house water supplies if properties will be vacant, repair drips and leaks promptly, and consider draining hot water cylinders in lofts. Additionally, maintaining adequate building and contents insurance is advised in case of any unforeseen damage.
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s chief operating officer, emphasised the importance of preparing for severe weather to prevent frozen or burst pipes and reduce water loss through leakage. Scottish Water has introduced a free text alert service to keep customers informed of any service disruptions or weather-related issues. By signing up for this service, customers can receive timely notifications directly to their mobile phones, allowing them to manage any potential issues effectively.
In summary, it is essential for property owners in Lanarkshire to take preventative measures to protect their pipes from freezing and bursting during the winter months. By insulating and safeguarding pipes, property owners can avoid costly damage and inconvenience. Scottish Water’s free text alert service also provides a valuable tool for customers to stay informed and prepared for any potential disruptions.
Insights:
Preparing pipes for winter is crucial to prevent costly damage and inconvenience caused by burst pipes.
Scottish Water’s initiative to offer a free text alert service demonstrates their commitment to keeping customers informed and prepared.
Property owners should proactively take steps to insulate and protect their pipes to minimise the risk of freezing and bursting.
Maintaining adequate building and contents insurance is advisable to cover any unexpected damage that may occur despite preparations.