Scottish Water is launching a winter campaign to encourage customers to be prepared and ensure homes and businesses are protected as winter sets in.
Communities like ours are being urged to follow Scottish Water’s winter code – a set of simple steps to protect your pipes, be prepared and heat, insulate and protect your home and business.
Be Prepared For Winter. Tips for looking after your pipes.[/caption]The campaign will be communicated through advertising, leaflets, posters, videos and, of course, social media channels.
Visit www.scottishwater.co.uk/winter where you can find winter information, films and advice. If you would like hard copies of leaflets email customermarketing@scottishwater.co.uk.
Further information can be found online about everyone’s pipework responsibilities by visiting www.scottishwater.co.uk/responsibility.
Here are some Scottish Water top tips in the meantime…
6 degrees C and up
- Leave your heating on, using a low setting.
- If you live in a flat, leave the heating on low in rooms where the mains pipe supplies neighbouring flats.
- When you’re going away then make sure you have someone who can regularly check for any problems
- Should your neighbours not have a key for your home make sure they have contact details for someone who does, in case of an emergency.
- If your property is going to be vacant over the winter months, turn off your water supply and drain the system – a licensed plumber should be able to give you advice about this
- Now is a good time to locate your stop valve in your home
1C to 5C
- Your water tank should be fitted with an insulation jacket or alternatively, the top and sides of the tank can be wrapped with suitable insulation material. Don’t place loft insulation under the tank, as this stops heat from the rooms below helping to keep the tank warm.
- Toilet cisterns, water tanks or pipes in exposed places or unheated outbuildings, should be insulated. Better still drain them for winter if you’re not using them.
- Buy good quality insulation – the thinner the pipe the thicker the insulation must be. 15mm or 1/2″ pipes need insulation which is 25mm thick, 28mm or 1″ pipe needs insulation which is at least 19mm thick
0C or below
- At OC or below freezing can occur
- Dripping water increases the risk of freezing, so have any leaks at taps or valves repaired as soon as you discover them.
- Watch Scottish Water’s film on what to do if a pipe freezes
- Cold draughts also increase your heating bills and can cause frozen pipework.
- Look out for your neighbours, especially the frail, elderly and vulnerable.
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