Going Away - Remember To Protect Your Pipes

21st December 2010

LOCKING UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS? REMEMBER TO PROTECT YOUR PIPES

Scottish Water is calling on customers across the Highlands and Islands to help the public utility maintain normal services during the adverse weather by checking their private property for bursts or leaks, having them repaired quickly, and reporting any on the public network as soon as possible.

Customers including holiday home owners, businesses, farms and public buildings such as village halls are also asked to ensure their property is heated, insulated and protected from the sub-zero temperatures - especially if it is likely to be unoccupied.

Scottish Water is tackling burst pipes and leaks across the country to help ensure normal water supplies are maintained. But the weather conditions in some areas can hamper efforts and customers are asked to help by re-checking their private property and land for bursts or leaks and having them repaired by a plumber as quickly as possible.

Any bursts or leaks on private property should be addressed by the property owner. Any bursts or leaks on the public network can be reported by calling the Scottish Water Customer Helpline on 0845 601 8855.

To reduce the risk of bursts or leaks occurring Scottish Water is advising customers

to ensure their property stays warm and dry this winter. Information on protecting pipes and short films showing practical advice such as how to locate your stop valve can be viewed on: www.scottishwater.co.uk/warmpipes.

Customers are recommended to keep a note of necessary telephone numbers such as a registered plumber. Plumbers' federation SNIPEF are on line at www.needaplumber.org www.needaplumber.org and can be called on 0845 224 0391. Lines are open Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm and Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Scottish Water's customer contact centre will remain open during the festive season and additional staff have been drafted in to assist on the ground with leakage detection and repair. Scottish Water can also be made aware of problems by clicking on a special Report A Leak button at www.scottishwater.co.uk

Peter Farrer, Scottish Water's customer services director, said: "As well as the costs, people should consider the emotional impact and inconvenience burst pipes can cause. Property owners should check their plumbing, especially if the property is unoccupied or if people are locking up for the holidays.

"During the Big Freeze last January we came across hundreds of situations where people returning to properties including businesses, village halls and holiday homes after the break were met with scenes of devastation." More....

He added: "Snow will hide some bursts and leaks on the public network so it's vital that if customers notice any they report them to us as quickly as possible. We will respond to reported bursts or leaks and we will give priority to any that cause supply interruptions for customers or create a hazard for the public."

TOP TIPS FOR THOSE LOCKING UP FOR THE FESTIVE PERIOD

Scottish Water's top tips for those locking up buildings for the holidays are:

- Look for any leaks now and contact a plumber as soon as possible.

- Heat, insulate and protect your property by lagging pipes. Consider leaving heating on at a low temperature.

- Know where your stop valve is and check that it is working. Short films on the Scottish Water website show how to do this.

- Leave a key with an employee, neighbour, relative or friend and arrange to check on buildings if left empty for several days.

Customers who experience supply interruptions are thanked for their patience during the extreme winter weather.