As we gear up for the busy festive season, the only thing you should be worrying about bubbling away is your gravy, not a hidden leak under the sink.
This is especially important in our region, where customers use more water than the national average of 154 litres of water a day. Across the UK, the typical person uses around 142 litres of water a day, yet many people underestimate their true water use. In reality, a family of four gets through 550 litres a day1 and that’s before any festive roast dinners hit the table!
So, while a leek might not usually make the cut for your roast, it’s still the kind you’d rather have this festive season, not the kind that floods your home and quietly drains water, money and patience at the worst possible time of the year.
Why leaks love winter
Colder temperatures can cause water in your pipes to freeze and expand, which puts pressure on joints and fittings. When the ice melts, that pressure can cause cracks and bursts, leading to unwanted leaks and wasted water.
How to stop a leak before it starts
Here are some simple steps to help protect your home this winter:
1. Look and listen for leaks
Check taps, toilets, and outdoor hoses for drips or trickles. You can also do our simple Look & Listen test, turn off all taps and listen for any hissing or dripping sounds that might signal a hidden leak.
2. Find your stop tap
Make sure you know where your stop tap is and check that it turns off easily. If a pipe does burst, turning this off quickly can save thousands of litres of water, and stop the damage spreading.
3. Keep things cosy
If you’re heading away over the holidays, keep your heating on a low setting (around 10°C) to stop pipes freezing while you’re gone.
4. Insulate your pipes
Pipes in colder areas like lofts, garages, and outdoor spaces are the most at risk. Wrap them in foam pipe insulation (you can find it at most DIY stores) to keep them warm and prevent freezing.
5. Get a free Leak Visit
Our team can help you find and fix small leaks for free. Book your visit here: https://www.affinitywater.co.uk/keeplifeflowing/leakvisits
The only leek you do want this Christmas
If there’s one kind of leek that’s welcome this festive season, it’s the one the ends up bubbling away under a layer of golden cheese, not under your kitchen sink!
Here’s a simple cauliflower, broccoli and leek cheese recipe that makes the perfect Christmas side dish.
You’ll need:
- 1 small cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 small broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 leek, trimmed and sliced
- 25g butter
- 25g plain flour
- 500ml semi-skimmed milk
- 100g mature cheddar, grated
- 1 tsp English mustard (optional)
- A pinch of nutmeg (for a festive twist)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make it:
- Rinse your veg in a bowl instead of under running water. It uses much less and you can reuse it to water houseplants after.
- Steam the cauliflower, broccoli and leek for 507 minutes until just tender and set aside. Steaming uses less water and keeps more nutrients in your veggies.
- Melt the butter in a pan, stir in the flour to make a paste and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk to make a smooth sauce. Stir until thickened, then add the cheese, mustard and nutmeg. Season to taste.
- Pop the veg in an overproof dish, pour over the sauce and sprinkle with a little extra cheese. Bake at 180 °C (fan 160°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Water-saving tip: If you’re cooking other veg for your roast, you can reuse the same water or steamer. Less washing up and less waste!
So, whilst a leek might not usually make the cut for Christmas dinner, it’s still the better option compared to the kind that soaks your ceiling.
This festive season, keep your water where it belongs, in the pipes, not on the floor and don’t let a leak (or leek) ruin your roast.
Find more winter tips and advice at affinitywater.co.uk/winterready.