BRISTOL Water, which serves the Chew Valley, is reminding customers of the simple steps they can take to protect their homes against burst pipes with freezing conditions expected to be seen this week.

When temperatures drop and water freezes and turns into ice it expands by nearly 10 per cent, which stops the flow of water through pipes. This can cause even new pipes to split, often resulting in leaks and bursts which can cause flooding and damage to homes and gardens.

Sophie Notton, Bristol Water’s leakage manager, said: “Every winter, we see a high number of bursts both on our network and on our customers’ private pipes due to freezing conditions. When this happens, our teams work hard around the clock to keep the taps flowing for our customers.

“Alongside these efforts, there are lots of things our customers can do to prepare their homes for cold weather and prevent leaks and bursts from causing significant damage to their properties.”

• Wrap up pipes and water tanks with lagging – especially those in unheated areas such as lofts, garages or gardens.

• Find the inside stop tap (usually under the kitchen sink or where the pipework enters a property) and make sure it can be turned off if a leak or burst is discovered.

• Leave the heating on low when on holiday.

• Check the central heating boiler has been serviced.

• Bleed the radiators – this will improve efficiency and reduce the risk of radiator pipes freezing.

• Keep the contact details of a reputable plumber on hand.

Check the meter to see if there is a leak. Details of how to do this are on the website: www.bristolwater.co.uk/home/account-and-services/help-with-leaks

Although underground, a service pipe may also be affected by the colder temperatures. When the ground freezes it hardens and can cause underground pipes to move, sometimes leading to leaks and bursts.

• Check with neighbours to see if the issue is wide spread or localised.

• Check pipes for signs of a split – a leak or burst will not occur until the water has thawed.

• Turn off the supply using the internal stop tap.

• If the central heating and other water heating appliances are already on, keep on. However, if they are currently turned off do not be tempted to switch them on to thaw frozen pipes as this could cause damage.

• Drain the cold water system only by flushing the toilet and opening cold taps over sinks and baths.

• If no damage is found, turn on all the taps and thaw the frozen pipe using a warm towel or hot water bottle wrapped in a towel.

• When the pipes have thawed and it is certain no damage or leak has occurred, turn off the taps and slowly switch the supply back on using the internal stop tap

For more information and advice on preparing for freezing temperatures visit www.bristolwater.co.uk/every-drip-every-drop/every-drop/winter