Hull residents have already experienced two days of snow and the MET office are predicting that we could see more snowfall, accompanied by sub-zero temperatures, over the next few days.
With this in mind, Yorkshire Water has issued some advice on how to keep your water supplies protected in these freezing temperatures.
Cold snaps can cause water in supply pipes to freeze which could then leave homes in the area without water. When the water freezes it expands and can cause pipes to crack then as temperatures begin to rise the ice will melt and inevitably escape through the crack.
Some properties in Hull are more likely to have their external pipes freeze as these do not tend to be underground like in other parts of the region. As the pipes are exposed, it’s important residents do all they can to stop their pipes from freezing up.
Local people are advised to take the simple steps below to make their homes winter-ready:
• Protect all exposed pipe work, cisterns, tanks, taps and water meters in unheated areas with waterproof foam lagging or insulation
• Know where the stop tap is located at the property in case it needs to be turned off in an emergency. The main stop tap is usually found at the point where the pipe work enters the premises, often it is under the kitchen sink
• Make sure you keep a plumber’s number handy in case of an emergency
• Keep homes warm – set central heating on a low heat or a 24-hour constant setting. If you’re going away on holiday tell a neighbour or friend so that they can check to make sure there have been no burst pipes
Yorkshire Water recommend that any customers who have additional needs sign up to their vulnerable customer register – www.yorkshirewater.com/priorityservices
