Businesses & householders urged to check pipes before holida

[Kintyre Forum News]

BUSINESSES AND HOUSEHOLDERS URGED TO CHECK PIPES BEFORE HOLIDAYS

Scottish Water is urging businesses and householders to check their pipes this week (w/b 19 Dec) if they plan to leave properties empty over the holidays.

Scottish Water’s Winter Code, available on line at www.scottishwater.co.uk/winter, gives advice on how to heat, insulate and protect homes and businesses.

Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s Customer Service Delivery Director, said: “As well as the cost, people should consider the emotional impact and inconvenience burst pipes can cause. Please take a look at your plumbing before locking up for the holidays. Unfortunately, many customers found out last winter that the real problems start when temperatures begin to rise again after a cold snap. This can lead to pipes expanding and bursting.”

A leaking pipe, even a small one, can spill thousands of gallons of water a day, resulting in repairs and insurance claims that can run into tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds. Anyone who has concerns about their internal building pipes should contact a licensed plumber. The website www.needaplumber.org is recommended by Scottish Water.

PUBLIC ASKED TO REPORT ANY LEAKS

The public are also being asked to keep an eye out over the festive period for leaks in the streets and report these to Scottish Water’s Customer Helpline on 0845 601 8855 or by clicking the ‘Report A Problem’ button on the website.

Peter Farrer added: “We’re encouraging customers to report any visible bursts they spot directly to our Customer Helpline. We are a 24/7 business and provide cover throughout the festive season. This means that, when people phone, they’ll speak directly to one of our advisors and our customers really appreciate that.”

SCOTTISH WATER’S WINTER CODE

• Look for any leaks now and contact a licensed plumber as soon as possible.
• Heat, insulate and protect your pipes.
• Leave your heating on at a low setting.
• If you are going away then make sure you have someone who can regularly check for any problems.
• If your property is going to be vacant over the winter months, turn off your water supply and drain the system. A licensed plumber should be able to advise you about this.
• Keep your insurance documents somewhere secure and water-tight so you can access them easily if needed.
• Locate your stop valve.
• Keep a note of the telephone number of a licensed plumber.
• Keep a note of the Scottish Water Customer Helpline number – 0845 601 8855.
• Be a good neighbour and keep an eye out for your neighbours, especially the frail and elderly or disabled.

Scottish Water information and advice can also be found on Twitter by following @scottishwaterpr and on Facebook at facebook.com/scottishwater.

[Niander]

Simple just turn off the water before you go!

[Ship called Dignity]

Simple just turn off the water before you go!

Aye, just read that and no reference to simply turning the water off, bleeding pipes etc!