Affinity Water issues advice to households to

Get Ready for Winter

Winter can be a challenging time with extreme cold weather causing household pipes to freeze or burst.

This causes distress to customers, damage to properties and can increase demand on the water network if problems are widespread.

We are urging households to be prepared this winter and ensure water pipes in lofts and gardens are properly insulated so they don’t freeze, which can lead to leaks, bursts and damage when they thaw. Homes left empty for more than a day or two without heating on are more at risk from possible freezing and bursts.

We are also reminding customers that if someone they know needs help during a water supply incident, e.g. those with a medical condition, such as home dialysis then they can sign up to our Priority Services Register at www.affinitywater.co.uk/priority-services or they can call 0345357 2406. We are also continuing to support those affected financially by coronavirus.

How can you help

We have put a short communications guide together to help you share advice and get the people you represent ready for any sudden cold snap this winter.

• Social Media – Share our social media messages using the templates below for your convenience and image (attached)
• Video – share our preparing for winter video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRHPuvBuV50
• Website – share our webpage www.affinitywater.co.uk/coldweather to keep up to date with the latest winter advice and helpful video tutorials. If you have your own website, please consider uploading the following tips to ensure the people you represent are prepared for winter.

Preparing for winter tips

• Insulate exposed water pipes in your loft and outside. You can use felt, pipe wrap or other insulating material and cover any outside pipe or fitting with a waterproof material. These are available at most DIY stores.
• If you have a cold water tank, make sure it is insulated.
• If you have an outside tap, insulate it too.
• Check that your external and internal stop taps are working so you will be able to turn off your water supply in an emergency.
• If it’s very cold outside leave central heating on a low setting overnight.
• If you are planning on leaving your home or business unattended for a long period, turn off the water supply at your stop tap.
• Consider leaving the heating on a low setting.
• Fix dripping taps – even a small trickle can lead to a frozen pipe.

Dealing with frozen pipes

If pipes do freeze, use the stop tap to turn off the water supply. Slowly thaw the pipe with a hairdryer or a towel soaked in hot water or a hot water bottle. Start thawing at the end nearest the tap. Never use a naked flame or blowtorch to thaw the pipe.

Dealing with burst pipes

Turn off your stop taps and make sure your central heating boiler or immersion heater is turned off. Leave an internal tap on to allow thawed water to escape and contact an approved plumber.

To find an approved plumber please visit: www.watersafe.org.uk

Sample Tweets and Facebook posts

Protect your home against the cold and insulate exposed water pipes in your loft and outside. You can use felt, pipe wrap or other insulating material and cover any outside pipe or fitting with a waterproof material. #GetWinterReady at affinitywater.co.uk/coldweather

With temperatures dropping, make sure you're ready to #BeatTheChill. Check out @AffinityWater top tips to get your home #GetWinterReady at affinitywater.co.uk/coldweather

#BeatTheChill by repairing any dripping taps as they can cause pipes to freeze. Book an approved plumber for any needed repairs, as even the smallest of trickles can lead to bigger problems in the winter months. #WinterReadiness http://bit.ly/2Rrsm5C

Going away for Christmas? Leave your heating on at a low temperature to prevent your water from freezing. #GetWinterReady #BeatTheChill at affinitywater.co.uk/coldweather

Frozen pipes can lead to bursts and cause flooding after thawing out.  Learn how to turn off your water in an emergency and ensure your home is #WinterReady this winter.  http://bit.ly/2RkYCrk

Affinity Water offer additional services to households that require extra support or assistance during a supply interruption. Join their free Priority Services Register at www.affinitywater.co.uk/priorityservices or call 0345 357 2406

Winter can be a challenging time, which is why local water provider Affinity Water is continuing to support those who have been affected financially by Coronavirus. Find out more at www.affinitywater.co.uk/corona-virus

Yours faithfully,

Kevin Barton

Head of External Communications

Affinity Water