AN URGENT “get prepared” warning has been issued to Irish homeowners ahead of the forecasted ice and snow.
As winter sets in, Uisce Éireann is reminding everyone to take five simple steps to protect their water pipes from the cold.
With temperatures expected to dip well below freezing across the country this week, preventing burst pipes can save both hassle and money.
When water freezes it expands by nearly 10 per cent, which can cause pipes to split – even if they’re new.
To help you avoid the headaches of a burst pipe this winter, Uisce Éireann has shared a few practical tips.
First, make sure your water tanks and pipes are insulated as exposed pipes are especially vulnerable to the cold, and lagging can help prevent them from freezing.
Another important tip is to service your boiler.
A well-maintained boiler keeps your heating efficient and can even help lower energy bills throughout winter.
Uisce Éireann is also reminding homeowners not to remember fixing their dripping taps.
While it’s always a good idea, it’s especially crucial in winter as dripping water can freeze and create dangerous slippery patches.
It’s also worth checking your inside stop valve as knowing where it is and how to turn it off can be a lifesaver if a leak does happen.
Sealing gaps around windows and doors can also help keep the cold out, and it will reduce the chance of pipes freezing from draughts in winter.
Margaret Attridge from Uisce Éireann said that taking these simple steps now can prevent stress and unexpected costs later on.
She 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.”
Keep an eye on water usage
Along with preparing your own home for winter, Uisce Éireann encourages everyone to keep an eye on their water usage.
Simple actions like checking for leaks or reporting them can make a big difference in maintaining a sustainable water supply for everyone.
If you’re going away for a few days, consider getting someone to check your home regularly to make sure everything’s running smoothly.
And if you haven’t already, you can sign up for Uisce Éireann’s free text alerts to stay updated on any supply issues or outages in your area.
For more tips on winterproofing your home, visit Uisce Éireann’s website at https://www.water.ie/help/supply/winterproofing.
Prepare your home in advance
Tips from water.ie
- Insulate water tanks and pipes
- Service your boiler
- Check your inside stop valve
- Fix external dripping taps
- Minimise all draughts
Once the temperature drops:
- Circulate warm air to unheated areas
- Running your taps will not prevent pipes from freezing
- Arrange a supply of fresh drinking water
