Advice to keep your home safe from burst pipes this winter

‘Protect your pipes - be prepared’ is the key message, with a few simple precautions minimising the risk of a damp disaster.

Heating should be left on at a low setting to prevent freeze-ups, with pipes insulated.

If you are going away, make sure a neighbour checks up on your property, while properties being left vacant for long period should have their water supply turned off completely and drained.

Keep your insurance details somewhere safe and watertight in case the worst does happen, and keep a note of a plumber and the Scottish Water Customer Helpline - 08456018855.

Finally, householders should keep an eye on their neighbours, particularly the frail, elderly or disabled.

Bill Elliot, Scottish Water’s community team manager, said: “Our winter campaign aims to inform our customers, homeowners and businesses about the importance of acting now to protect their pipes to avoid the hardships that so many experienced in recent winters.

“Customers who take action now to heat, insulate and protect their properties can avoid this considerable headache and heartache. The message is very much that we want to work with our customers to ensure we are all prepared.”

More advice at www.scottishwater.co.uk/winter