Insulate pipes to avoid leaks - Yorkshire Water

Yorkshire Water told customers to insulate pipes

Yorkshire Water has advised customers to insulate their pipes ahead of the weekend after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice.

The firm told customers to lag their water pipes - or add insulation - to prevent them from freezing and potentially bursting.

Yellow warnings are in place for much of the country over the course of three days, with cold conditions forecast to continue into Monday.

Yorkshire Water said: "Frozen pipes can crack, which might lead to a burst and possible flooding inside people's homes. Insulating pipes goes a long way in helping to avoid this."

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Yorkshire Water recommended polyethylene foam for insulation, as it can be used indoors and outdoors, is cheap, and can be installed without the need for a professional.

The company also offered advice to those who find they do have frozen pipes over the weekend.

It told customers to check exposed pipes for leaks or bursts and if there is a burst turn the water off at the stop tap to minimise damage and water loss.

If the pipe has not burst, turn the tap on at the kitchen sink and heat the pipe with a hairdryer. Never use a naked flame to defrost a pipe, the firm said.

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