Scottish Water reminding customers to be prepared

Scottish Water is taking the opportunity during this mild spell of weather to remind customers to ensure homes and businesses are protected and prepared for winter.

Protect your pipes – Be prepared, is Scottish Water’s winter message, asking customers to protect their pipes, be prepared and heat, insulate and protect their home and business.

Scottish Water is reminding customers of what to do to prevent frozen or burst pipes, how to locate their stop valve and what to do in an emergency.

Joanna Peebles, Scottish Water’s Regional Community Manager, said:

“Our winter campaign aims to inform our customers, homeowners and businesses about the importance of acting now to protect their pipes to avoid the hardships that so many experienced in recent winters.

“The weather has been milder than expected but there’s no telling whether the extreme conditions of the last few years could be repeated again. It is sensible for customers to start thinking about protecting their pipes now and make sure they are prepared.

“Very often people think it won’t happen to them, but there are few things more upsetting than coming home or into work to find everything ankle deep in freezing water and your carpets, furniture and equipment all ruined because of a burst pipe.

“Unfortunately, many customers found out that the real problems start when temperatures begin to rise again after such a cold snap. This can lead to pipes expanding and bursting.

“Customers who take action now to heat, insulate and protect their properties can avoid this considerable headache and heartache. The message is very much that we want to work with our customers to ensure we are all prepared.”

Customers are being advised to follow Scottish Water’s winter code:

• 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’s message continues to be spread through a range of measures including leaflets, videos, social media channels, advertising and partnerships with a range of bodies, such as landlord and housing associations and plumbers’ federation SNIPEF.

A range of initiatives are ensuring Scottish Water employees are well equipped to continue delivering the best possible service in the event of another severe winter.

In recent years we have seen unprecedented wintry conditions, with everything from snow and freezing temperatures to high winds and heavy rainfall.

However, Scottish Water employees worked around the clock, to maintain drinking water supply to our 2.4 million household customers and protect the natural environment.

For the fifth year running, STV weather forecaster, Sean Batty is supporting Scottish Water’s campaign. Sean said:

“The past few winters proved to be a real mixed bag with everything from extreme snow and rainfall to mild, stormy weather and everything in between. This highlights just how volatile our weather can be and how we need to be prepared for anything by ensuring that we heat, insulate and protect our homes and businesses against the elements.”

Visit www.scottishwater.co.uk/winter where you can find winter information, films and advice.

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