Check All Empty Buildings for Burst Pipes

12th December 2010

HIGHLANDS, ISLANDS AND NORTH-EAST ASKED TO HELP DURING COLD WEATHER AND THAW

Scottish Water is calling on customers and property owners, including commercial building factors and landlords, to check their property for leaks or burst pipes.

We have mobilised resources to address any issues which might arise from the weather conditions and our priority will remain to ensure our customers are kept in water supply.

As Scottish Water staff tackle any bursts on our network we are calling on people to check their properties and land for leaks or burst pipes.

A spokesman said: "While visible leaks on public water mains are being fixed, others will be hidden by the snow and there will be some bursts on internal pipes on private property.

"Unoccupied holiday homes, village halls and other outbuildings could also have internal bursts in their plumbing.

"Scottish Water ask for help from property owners to check for burst pipes and we would ask people with outdoors taps and troughs to turn off any running taps."

Any internal bursts in business properties which have not been dealt with will not only be causing damage to the premises and their contents but will be causing leakage and affecting Scottish Water's efforts to maintain supply to customers.

Any outside leaks on our network can be reported by calling the Scottish Water Helpline on 0845 6018855. Any leaks on private property should be addressed by the property owner.

Scottish Water is advising property owners to heat, insulate and protect their homes and businesses to help ensure their property stays warm and dry this winter.

We also recommend that property owners locate their stop valve, which is usually under the kitchen sink and keep a note of necessary telephone numbers such as a registered plumber (SNIPEF - www.needaplumber.org or on 0845 224 0391 Lines open Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm and Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm).

Information on protecting pipes and short films showing practical advice such as how to locate your stop cock to stem the flow of a burst can be found on a special Scottish Water website: www.scottishwaterresponse.co.uk

Scottish Water
www.scottishwater.co.uk
www.scottishwatersolutions.co.uk