Pipe lagging

Get Ready for Winter is a national Government campaign launched on 24th October 2011 to get people to think about what winter weather preparations they, their family and the wider community may need to make – and before the clocks go back and winter strengthens its icy grip.

We all take our water supply for granted but if your home or business suffers a burst pipe this Winter, you could be left with no water and a hefty bill to repair the damage.

Remember, all pipework within the boundary of your home or business is your responsibility, so it really is worth protecting it properly to avoid serious problems during cold weather.

South East Water’s top tips to beat the winter blues are:

• Check that you know where your internal stoptap is located - this is usually under the kitchen sink or in the downstairs cloakroom. Check it will turn off before an emergency happens!

• Lag outside pipes with insulating material

• Ensure pipes, cisterns and tanks in unheated areas such as lofts are lagged

• Repair dripping taps

• If away leave the heating on low or drain down the system

• Check loft insulation is in good condition

• Leave loft doors open to allow warm air to circulate

• If a pipe bursts turn off the water and central heating

• Keep the number of a reliable plumber on hand; or

• Make sure you have adequate insurance. You can insure your home against plumbing and drainage emergencies such as burst pipes with Homeserve Plumbing and Drainage cover.

What do I do if a pipe freezes?

• Turn off the water supply at the internal stoptap – this is usually located under the kitchen sink or in the downstairs cloakroom

• Check to see if the pipe has burst

• Open the affected tap. Slowly thaw the pipe with hot water bottles or a towel soaked in hot water, starting at the end nearest the tap.

• Never use a naked flame, hairdryer or blowtorch to thaw the pipe.

• Don’t leave taps dripping or running as the water may not drain down the plughole if the pipe below is frozen.

What do I do if a pipe bursts?

• Turn off the internal stoptap and boiler

• Open all taps to drain the system quickly

• Soak up/block off escaping water with thick towels

• Call a qualified plumber. Local water industry recommended plumbers can be found at www.wras.co.uk/WIAPS

• If water has leaked near your electrics or into any electrical appliances, switch them off at the mains

• Turn off taps once the pipework is repaired to avoid further flooding

• If you have your own plumber make a note of their name and number so you have it handy in an emergency

More information and downloads

Want more advice on what to do? Download our Wrap up for Winter leaflet

Tune in to our Get Ready for Winter video

Eco-engineer and TV personality Dick Strawbridge shows how a pipe freezes and bursts see our burst pipe demonstration video of water pour through ceilings and damage buildings and furniture.

pipe lagging kit aqualogic gabi h2o san water efficiency winter

Discounted Pipe Lagging Kits

Hundreds of litres of water pouring through ceilings can be a massive waste of water (not to mention the severe damage to buildings, furniture and holiday spirits). It’s time to get those pipes wrapped up - and take extra precautions to make sure you're prepared for winter problems.

Aqualogic and GabiH₂O are currently offering a discount on pipe lagging kits to help you take that step towards better protecting your home from the cold. All you have to do is visit the website here, select the lagging kit and enter the code WINTER5 when prompted, a 5% discount will be deducted automatically.

Government references

Get Ready for Winter is a UK Government campaign to get people to think about what winter weather preparations they, their family and the wider community may need to make.

Ready for Winter is the Scottish Government's initative to make sure people are prepared for emergencies (check their emergency kit checklist to make sure you're ready for winter).

An ounce of prevention

We all take our water supply for granted but if your home or business suffers a burst pipe this winter, you could be left with no water and a hefty bill! The good news is that preventive measures are cheap and simple.

Remember, all pipework within the boundary of your home or business is your responsibility, so it really is worth protecting it properly to avoid serious problems during cold weather.

Check that you know where your internal stopcock is located - this is usually under the kitchen sink or in the downstairs cloakroom.
Insulate water tanks and lag pipes (lagging material is available from all good DIY stores). Make sure there are no gaps at bends, valves or fittings.
Ensure pipes, cisterns and tanks in unheated areas such as lofts are lagged
Make sure your boiler has been serviced
Repair dripping taps - even a small trickle can result in frozen pipes
If away leave the heating on low or drain down the system
Check loft insulation is in good condition
Leave loft doors open to allow warm air to circulate
If a pipe bursts turn off the water and central heating
Keep a separate supply of drinking water for emergencies
Keep the number of a reliable plumber on hand
Make sure you have adequate insurance. You can insure your home against plumbing and drainage emergencies such as burst pipes with Homeserve Plumbing and Drainage cover.

What do I do if a pipe freezes?

Turn off the water supply at the internal stoptap – this is usually located under the kitchen sink or in the downstairs cloakroom
Check to see if the pipe has burst
Soak up/block off escaping water with thick towels
Open the affected tap. Slowly thaw the pipe with hot water bottles or a towel soaked in hot water, starting at the end nearest the tap
Never use a naked flame, hairdryer or blowtorch to thaw the pipe
Don’t leave taps dripping or running as the water may not drain down the plughole if the pipe below is frozen

What do I do if a pipe bursts?

Turn off the internal stopcock and boiler
Open all taps to drain the system quickly
Soak up/block off escaping water with thick towels
Call a local water industry recommended plumber
If water has leaked near your electrics or into any electrical appliances, switch them off at the mains
Turn off taps once the pipework is repaired to avoid further flooding
If you have your own plumber make a note of their name and number so you have it handy in an emergency