With the colder weather and regular frosty mornings, people in Bath are being advised to make a simple check to avoid being caught out by frozen or burst pipes.
Knowing where your stop tap is can be very useful in emergencies | Photo courtesy of Wessex Water
Only half of the people who took part in a Wessex Water poll on social media site Twitter had recently tested their stop tap, which can turn off a home’s water supply if a frozen pipe bursts.
Normally found under the kitchen sink or in an airing cupboard or adjoining garage, the stop tap can be closed by turning it clockwise.
Testing it regularly ensures it won’t seize up and could save precious time in an emergency.
James Taylor, Wessex Water’s regional leakage planning manager, said: “Frozen and burst pipes can cause flooding damage and leave homes without water.
“Customers who contact us often aren’t sure where their stop tap is or how it works, which only adds to the stress and worry of the situation.
“It’s a good idea to check it now so you’re prepared for the worst, as well as taking simple steps like lagging pipes and servicing your boiler regularly to help protect your home when temperatures plummet.”
More help and advice on being protecting your home this winter is available on the Wessex Water website here: www.wessexwater.co.uk/coldweather.
