Mike Hedges AM urges people to avoid burst pipes

• Costly burst could leave homes without water or heating at coldest time of the year
• Research reveals that more than half of households in England and Wales admitted to not protecting their pipes.
• One in five water customers have no idea what to do if a pipe freezes in their home.

With winter upon us, Mike Hedges is supporting a campaign reminding customers to protect their pipes from the effects of freezing temperatures.

Mike Hedges fully supports  Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water’s ‘Wrap Up’ campaign which reminds customers to make sure water pipes in their homes and businesses are protected to avoid the disruption and expense frozen pipes can cause.

Severe cold weather, as we saw in the area back in March, can cause water pipes to freeze and burst – leaving homes and businesses with no water, low pressure or even flooding.

Frozen water expands and can crack even the strongest pipe. You may not notice this immediately, and only know you have a problem when the cracked pipe thaws and water starts leaking from it. Urgent and expensive repairs are then needed to fix the problem.

Customers can protect their pipes with inexpensive insulation or lagging kits, which are available from local homeware or DIY stores.

Businesses, schools and buildings like community centres or chapels are particularly vulnerable to burst pipes during the winter. This is because they are often empty for days, meaning a burst pipe – inside or outside the building – can go unnoticed and cause huge volumes of water to leak and flood.

When a problem occurs on pipes in homes it is the responsibility of the homeowner or landlord – therefore it’s worth taking time to check they are well insulated.  

Mike Hedges said: “Frozen pipes which burst can cause unnecessary inconvenience and expense, which is distressing,  however this can be easily avoided by taking a few moments to check and protect the pipes.”

“I’m pleased join Welsh Water in reminding people living in Swansea to take note of the advice of the campaign and make sure they don’t get caught out by pipes freezing in their homes or businesses this winter.”

Ian Christie, Welsh Water’s Managing Director of Water Services said: “Over the winter, our team will be working 24/7 to keep things flowing, but we also need a little help from our customers, by making sure their homes and businesses are ready for winter. 

“So, please take a minute to insulate any outdoor pipes or taps or taps in a cold place like a loft or garage, fix any dripping taps, make sure you know where your stop tap is, and keep the number of a qualified plumber handy in case the worst happens. We’ve got lots of more advice and how-to videos on dwrcymru.com/coldweather”.