Scottish Water’s winter code to protect properties

With sub-zero temperatures and severe frost forecast, Scottish Water is reminding householders and businesses to follow its simple winter code to protect their pipes and keep the water cycle running smoothly.

The Scottish Water winter campaign recommends a three-point guide to avoid the misery, inconvenience and cost of failing to take preventative measures to avoid frozen and burst pipes caused by freezing conditions.

The Winter Code advises anyone with a home, holiday home or business premises to take action to heat, insulate and protect their properties.

Scottish Water’s winter campaign is being supported by an information leaflet (available to download at www.scottishwater.co.uk) that provides guidance on what steps to take to help prevent a burst or frozen pipe, how to locate a stop valve, what to do in an emergency and how Scottish Water can help.

Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s chief operating officer, said: “Anyone who has returned to their house or work to find everything ankle deep in freezing water with carpets, furniture and equipment all ruined, will know only too well of the misery a burst pipe in winter can cause.

“But by taking action to heat, insulate and protect properties, customers can avoid the considerable headache and heartache caused by burst pipes.

“We want to work with our customers to ensure we are all prepared for the sub-zero temperatures and severe frost that has been forecast for parts of Scotland. Preventing frozen pipes also means we all play a part in ensuring the water cycle never stops.

“Water is a precious resource and Scottish Water puts a lot of work into keeping it that way. Water pouring straight back into the drains as a result of a burst pipe that could have been prevented costs us all money.”