Protecting your home from the extreme cold weather

Extreme Cold can cause internal and external water pipes and drainage systems to freeze up. When this happens the water in the pipes expands and can cause the pipes and fittings to split or burst open. When the frozen water melts any damage will become obvious as water leaks out of the system. Leaking water can cause severe damage to properties and must be stopped as soon as possible.

Stopping pipes from freezing

The following is a guide to limit the potential of frozen pipes and what to do in preparation;

  • Stop any dripping taps and valves, the water could freeze in the waste or overflow pipe and cause a blockage
  • Keep the property warm, and if you are going away consider leaving the heating on low and ask a friend or relative to inspect periodically
  • Try to stop any draughts
  • Know where to turn the water off
  • Keep the phone number of our repairs service to hand Morrison Freephone 0800 999 2061
  • Get suitable insurance cover and know what the policy requires you to do and what it will cover. We can help you to join a Low Cost Home Contents Insurance Scheme designed specifically for tenants (which could cost you as little as £1.50 per week). Click here for information about the whg Home Contents Insurance Scheme.

If you get a frozen pipe or suspect a frozen pipe

If you turn a tap on and only a trickle of water comes out, you may have a frozen pipe. Try to locate and if safe to do so the suspected area of the frozen pipe. Likely places include;
  • Pipes running against outside walls
  • Where your water supply enters your home through the foundation and
  • Pipes in loft spaces    . 

 If you find a frozen pipe try to gently and slowly thaw it out. There are a number of ways including;

  • Keeping the tap open (with a bucket or similar underneath to collect any water so you don’t cause a flood etc.) As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt more ice in the pipe
  • Apply heat gently to the section of pipe using for example a hot water bottle, wrapping pipes with warm towels or towels soaked in hot water (you may need to keep replacing the towels to keep them warm.
  • Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call Morrison Freephone 0800 999 2061.

If in doubt contact Morrison Freephone 0800 999 2061

  • DO NOT use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device. A blowtorch can make water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to explode. All open flames in homes present a serious fire danger, as well as a severe risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide.

If you get a burst water pipe

  • Turn your electrical system off (there is the potential that water could have got into the system and could cause electrical shock) straight away
  • Turn the mains water supply off
  • Inform your insurance company, they will instruct you what to do next
  • Water may have caused damage to ceilings and these could have bowed and be holding water, enter these rooms carefully as the ceiling could collapse at any time
  • Call Morrison Freephone 0800 999 2061.

South Staffs Water have more information on handling winter emergencies http://www.south-staffs-water.co.uk/your_home/winter_emergencies.asp