Sutton and East Surrey Water

Winter can be beautiful but also cause havoc. Watch our video below to find out why we need to get ready for winter.

We all take our water supply for granted. But if your home or business suffers a burst pipe this winter, you could be left with no water and a hefty bill to repair the damage to your home.

Safeguard your bank balance and water supply by downloading our leaflet “Wrap up for winter” or following these simple steps to protect your pipework this winter.

Avoid frozen pipes

• Insulate water tanks and lag pipes.
• Lagging material is available from all good DIY stores, or our online water efficiency shop.
• Make sure there are no gaps in the lagging at bends, valves or fittings.
• Pay special attention to water tanks and pipes in unheated areas like loft spaces and garages.
• Check insulation in any property likely to be unoccupied for long periods.
• Fix dripping taps – even a small trickle can result in a frozen pipe.
• Find your property’s internal stopcock or valve and make sure you can turn it off, if necessary. Most stopcocks are fitted under the kitchen sink and are shut off by turning it clockwise.
• Check your boiler has been serviced.
• Minimise draughts from outside and close doors and windows to unheated parts of the property.
• Leave the heating on low when you are away and get a friend or neighbour to check the property regularly.
• If a property is going to be unoccupied for long periods, turn off the water at the stopcock and consider draining down the system so there is no water left in the pipes.
• Keep a separate supply of drinking water in the fridge for emergencies.

If a pipe freezes

• Turn off the water supply at the stopcock.
• Check to see if the pipe has burst.
• Slowly thaw the pipe with hot water bottles or a towel soaked in hot water, starting at the end nearest to the tap.
• Never use a naked flame or blowtorch to thaw the pipe.
• Don’t leave taps dripping or running as the water may not drain down the plughole if the pipe below is frozen.

If a pipe bursts

• Turn off the stopcock and boiler.
• Open all taps to drain the system quickly.
• Soak up/block off escaping water with thick towels.
• Call a WIAPS approved plumber. Our Customer Services Team on 01737 772000 can give advice.
• It water has leaked near your electrics or into any electrical applicances, switch them off at the mains.
• Turn off taps once pipework is repaired to avoid further flooding.
• If you have your own plumber, make a note of their name and number and keep it handy in case of an emergency.

More practical information to help you survive the winter months – like essential tips on winter motoring, and finding out what benefits are available to help meet heating costs – can be found on the DirectGov website and the Government’s ‘Get Ready for Winter’ initiative.