Be prepared for winter weather

By taking a few simple steps, you can prepare for winter weather and help protect your home throughout the colder months.

Do you know where your stop valve is?

Your stop valve controls the water supply entering your home. It is often under your kitchen sink – or sometimes it can be located elsewhere depending on where the water point enters your property.

To turn it off, rotate it clockwise until it’s completely closed.
Do not force your stop valve if it’s difficult to turn. Seized-up valves can break.
Check valves every few months to ensure that they can be opened and closed easily.

Help prevent burst pipes and leaks:

If possible, keep your heating on constantly – at a lower temperature.
If you’re away from home during the winter, ask a friend or neighbour to check on your property and make sure the pipes haven’t burst or frozen.Help prevent burst pipes and leaks:
If possible, keep your heating on constantly – at a lower temperature.
If you’re away from home during the winter, ask a friend or neighbour to check on your property and make sure the pipes haven’t burst or frozen.

If a pipe in your home bursts:

Locate your stop valve and turn it off immediately.
Switch off your immersion heater and central heating boiler.
Open all hot and cold taps to drain them of any remaining water AFTER the stop valve has been turned off. This will help minimise damage.
Switch off your electricity supply at the mains if there’s any chance that water could come into contact with wiring or fittings.
Call ng homes on 0800 595 595.

You can make a temporary repair to a burst pipe by binding it tightly with a cloth or tape. Place a bucket or basin under the leak to collect the water. If you don’t have either, a plastic bag would do in an emergency.

If a pipe in your home freezes:

Locate and turn off the stop valve immediately.
Switch off your immersion heater and central heating boiler.
Open all COLD taps to drain the system.
Call ng homes on 0800 595 595.