Welsh Water is warning customers that a sudden change to temperatures following a period of freezing weather can cause burst pipes.
The water company’s staff have been preparing for any issues that can arise in a freeze-thaw - when a quick thaw makes the ground move and damages pipes - in a bid to help maintain services. Its crews are on the ground, working round the clock to monitor its assets.
Frozen water expands and can crack even the strongest metal pipes. Customers may not notice that their supply pipes have been damaged and often only realise there is a problem when the cracked pipe thaws and water starts leaking.
Pipes and taps that are outdoors or in unheated places like attics, kitchen cabinets or garages are more susceptible to freezing and bursting and can leave homes and businesses with no water, no heating, or a costly flood.
To help prevent issues, customers are asked to:
- Check no outdoor taps are running – this is especially important in rural areas – do not leave taps running in outbuildings, fields, or outdoors. Keeping them running to prevent icing is a myth and can deplete water storage for all customers.
- Report any bursts water mains via our website here (where you can see if we are already aware) or call 0800 052 0130. Any private leaks – from the supply pipe beyond the water meter – is the responsibility of the homeowner.
- Protect their pipes with lagging – support is available for customers to do this in time for the next cold snap.
Ian Christie Managing Director of Water, Asset Planning and Capital Delivery at Dŵr Cymru, said: “The cold weather we are experiencing has been a challenge and our teams are working around the clock to identify and repair the bursts and keep the disruption to customers at a minimum.
“There has been an increase of reports of burst pipes on customers properties. Our teams will continue to work 24/7 to keep things flowing, but we also need a little help from our customers, by making sure their homes and businesses are protected.
“We want to remind customers that they can protect their homes from costly bursts if temperatures dip again in coming weeks and months.”
Many customers are unaware that supply pipes, the underground pipes that bring water from the water main in the street to their property are the property owner's responsibility to maintain.
More information on this and what can happen during a thaw can be found here.
Domestic customers can claim free lagging kits and tap jackets to protect their pipes and taps by visiting GetWaterFit. Welsh Water is also offering free water efficiency home visits to all domestic customers – and the free lagging kit and tap jackets can be installed as part of the visit. More information is available here.
Welsh Water also provides help for vulnerable customers if they sign up to the Priority Services Register. This means customers can get help with bottled water if their water supply is interrupted by an issue on the Welsh Water network, have alternative ways of getting information and reassurance against bogus callers.
More information can be found here.