Householders are being urged to make sure they know how to turn off their water supply as freezing temperatures increase the risk of burst pipes.
Knowing where your stop tap is can be very useful | Photo © Wessex Water
Wessex Water is advising residents to locate and check their stop tap – the valve that controls the water coming into a property – so they can act quickly if a pipe cracks or bursts in the current cold snap.
The stop tap is usually found under the kitchen sink, in an airing cupboard or in a garage.
Turning it clockwise shuts off the property’s water supply, which can help prevent major damage if a pipe fails.
Stephanie Jones, Wessex Water’s Director of Water Supply, said: “Pipes can crack and burst when water inside them freezes, causing an increase in pressure.
“It’s a good idea to test the stop tap regularly to make sure it hasn’t seized up, and doing so now could save precious time and minimise damage to your home if a burst happens.
“We help hundreds of customers every year whose homes have been flooded internally, often during freezing weather.”
Wessex Water’s website offers a step-by-step guide on what to do if a pipe bursts, as well as advice on thawing frozen pipes and preventative measures such as lagging and insulation.
More information is available at wessexwater.co.uk/cold-weather.
