Protect Your Home from Burst Pipes as Snow and Ice Hit Cornwall This Week

South West Water is urging residents across Devon and Cornwall to take simple but effective steps to protect their homes from burst pipes as freezing weather grips the region.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice, with temperatures expected to plummet. Sudden cold snaps like this can wreak havoc on water networks, causing pipes to freeze and split, resulting in leaks, bursts, and costly damage.

Martin Pipe, Customer Leakage Regional Manager, explained: “Every winter, we see a high number of bursts both on our network and on our customers’ private pipes due to freezing conditions. When this happens, our teams work hard around the clock to keep the taps flowing for our customers. Alongside these efforts, there are lots of things our customers can do to prepare their homes for cold weather and prevent leaks and bursts which can cause significant damage to their properties.”

Tips to Protect Your Home from Frozen Pipes

South West Water advises the following steps to keep your home safe during cold spells:

• Lag your pipes and water tanks – Insulate pipes, particularly in unheated spaces like lofts, garages, or gardens.
• Locate your stop tap – Usually found under the kitchen sink or near where the pipework enters your property. Ensure you can turn it off quickly if needed.
• Keep your heating on low if you’re away – This prevents pipes from freezing while you’re out of the house.
• Service your boiler – Make sure your central heating system is working efficiently.
• Bleed your radiators – This improves efficiency and reduces the risk of radiator pipes freezing.
• Have a trusted plumber’s details on hand – In case of emergencies, it’s helpful to know who to call.
• Check your water meter for leaks – For guidance, visit South West Water’s website.

What to Do if Your Pipes Freeze

If you discover you have no water, check with your neighbours. If their water is unaffected, it may indicate your pipes are frozen.

Follow these steps if you suspect frozen pipes:

1. Turn off your water supply – Use the internal stop tap to stop the flow.
2. Inspect for splits – If you see no visible signs of damage, leave your heating appliances on if they are already running. Do not switch them on if they’re off, as this could cause more damage.
3. Drain the cold water system – Flush toilets and open cold taps over sinks and baths to remove any remaining water.
4. Thaw the pipes carefully – Use a warm towel or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel to gently thaw the pipes. Avoid direct heat as this can cause the pipe to burst.
5. Recheck for leaks – Once thawed, check for signs of leaks before switching your water supply back on.

When to Call a Plumber

If you find any damage or a burst pipe, contact a reputable plumber immediately. South West Water supports approved contractor schemes, and a list of trusted plumbers can be found on the WaterSafe website or by calling 0333 207 9030.

For more information and tips on preparing your home for cold weather, visit South West Water’s cold weather page.

Stay safe and prepared as winter weather sets in across Cornwall. Taking these preventative measures could save you from significant inconvenience and costly repairs.