Avoid water problems this winter

The utility company is encouraging communities to follow its winter code, a set of simple guidelines designed to help avoid plumbing problems such as burst or frozen pipes and what to do if you have a problem:

Heat, insulate and protect your pipes.

Leave your heating on at a low setting.

If you are going away then make sure you have someone who can regularly check for any problems.

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 advise you about this.

Keep your insurance documents somewhere secure and water-tight so you can access them easily if needed.

Locate your stop valve.

Keep a note of the telephone number of a licensed plumber.

Keep a note of the Scottish Water Customer Helpline number – 0845 601 8855.

Be a good neighbour and keep an eye out for your neighbours, especially the frail and elderly or disabled.

Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s Customer Service Delivery Director, said: “Customers who take action now to heat, insulate and protect their properties can avoid considerable headache and heartache.

“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 last winter.“