Be winter wise and protect your pipes from cold weather

As the country braces itself for subzero temperatures Uisce Éireann is reminding householders to ensure their water pipes are protected from cold weather. Preparing for freezing temperatures could prevent problems such as burst pipes and flooding – and all the inconvenience and expense they cause. Water expands by nearly 10% as it freezes and turns into ice, which stops the flow of water through pipes. This can cause even new pipes to split. 

Uisce Éireann has practical tips for households and businesses to prevent leaks, conserve water, and make the most of their heating systems during the colder months:

1.    Insulate water tanks and pipes: Exposed pipes and tanks are particularly vulnerable to freezing. Insulating them with lagging material can help prevent heat loss and keep pipes from freezing

2.    Service your boiler: A well-maintained boiler is essential for efficient heating and can help reduce energy bills. Uisce Éireann recommends having your boiler serviced regularly by an accredited plumber

3.    Fix dripping taps: We recommend you always fix any dripping taps but pay particular attention to external dripping taps in winter as water from them can freeze on the ground and can cause people to slip and injure themselves

4.    Check your inside stop valve: The inside stop valve is the main isolation valve for your water supply. It's important to make sure you can easily locate and operate the stop valve in case of a leak

5.    Minimise draughts: Cold air from outside can cause pipes to freeze inside. Draught-proof your home by sealing gaps around windows and doors.

Uisce Éireann spokesperson Margaret Attridge said, “There is no time like the present to get prepared, and following our five simple steps can help homeowners avoid stress and expense. It's not only about saving money and preventing damages at home, but also about ensuring a sustainable water supply for everyone in our community. We know that the demand for water tends to increase significantly at this time of year so by following these simple steps homeowners and businesses can really make a difference and help ensure the taps keep flowing for all."

Uisce Éireann is also asking both the public and businesses to take responsibility for their water usage and help to keep demand at sustainable levels. Simple actions like checking your premises for leaks, reporting leaks in the public network, and being mindful of water use in businesses can make a big difference. Also, if you’re going away and leaving your home unoccupied for a few days make sure you have someone who can regularly check for any problems. If your neighbours don’t have a key for your home make sure they have contact details for someone who does in case of an emergency. More information on getting winter ready can be found on the Winterproofing page.

To keep up to date on outages in your area join our free text alert scheme. Thousands are already benefitting from the easy to use initiative which gives details of supply interruptions that last longer than four hour as well as details on planned and unplanned outages and boil water notices should they be needed to protect public health.  To sign up simply log onto the Water Service Updates page.