Save money, protect your property, and conserve water
As winter 2024 draws closer (some would say it’s already here), Affinity Water is reminding customers to prepare their homes for the cold weather. Taking simple actions can save money, prevent costly damage, and help protect vulnerable households during the colder months.
Winter can be tough on plumbing systems, especially when pipes freeze and burst. This kind of damage is not only disruptive but can also lead to significant repair bills. However, by taking a few preventive steps, you can avoid these issues and ensure your home stays safe and warm throughout the season.
Affinity Water’s essential winter readiness tips:
- Insulate your pipes: Wrap exposed pipes in lofts, basements, and gardens with insulation material. Pay extra attention to outdoor taps by covering them to prevent freezing.
Affinity Water customers can also get a FREE tap jacket by taking the My WaterFootprint Quiz and joining Save Our Streams to protect your outside taps too! If you are with another water provider, check your account for any similar services.
- Keep heating on a low setting: Even if you're away, maintain a low heat in your home to reduce the risk of frozen pipes. Consider setting your heating system to a frost protection setting.
- Locate your stop tap: Make sure you know where your stop tap is located (usually under the kitchen sink or in a downstairs bathroom) and ensure it’s working. This could be crucial if you need to turn off your water supply quickly.
Save money and water this winter:
- Repair leaks: Small issues like dripping taps or running toilets can waste a lot of water over time. Fixing these can reduce your water bill and help conserve this vital resource.
Affinity Water customers can book a FREE leak visit as part of their commitment to reducing leakage across their network. Over the past three years, Affinity Water have saved 34 million litres of water each day, and in the past year alone, they have fixed 18,000 leaks.
- Upgrade for efficiency: Regularly service your boiler and bleed radiators to ensure they’re running efficiently. This can reduce energy consumption and cut down on heating costs.
- Water-saving tips: Consider installing water-saving devices such as low-flow showerheads or tap aerators to use less water while still maintaining good pressure.
Supporting vulnerable neighbours in your community:
Affinity Water is particularly concerned about vulnerable households who may be at higher risk during cold weather. It’s a good idea to check on elderly or vulnerable friends, family, or neighbours. Encourage them to sign up for Affinity Water’s FREE Priority Services Register, which offers extra support in case of supply issues or emergencies. For more information, visit Affinity Water Priority Services.
Safety around open water:
With colder temperatures, open water like ponds or lakes may freeze over. It’s important to keep children and pets away from these areas, as the ice may not be strong enough to support weight. Additionally, always wash your hands after any outdoor activities to stay healthy.
What to do if a pipe bursts or you think you have a leak:
- Turn off the water supply: Immediately shut off your stop tap and switch off your boiler.
- Drain the system: Open all taps to release any remaining water in the pipes and reduce pressure. Save some water in a container for essential use, such as flushing toilets.
- Limit damage: Use towels to absorb leaking water and contact a qualified plumber for repairs.
Plan ahead to avoid problems:
- Check that your stop tap works every six months.
- If you're planning to be away during the winter, leave your heating on a timer at a low setting.
- Insulate pipes in vulnerable areas and make sure your boiler is serviced annually.
- Have the contact details of a qualified plumber readily available in case of emergencies.
By taking these proactive measures, you can help safeguard your home against the winter cold, avoid hefty repair bills, and support the environment by using water more efficiently.
If your community centre is interested in partnering with us to offer winter readiness advice and support to the local community, please get in touch. We’d love to collaborate and help share useful tips on keeping homes safe and water-efficient during the colder months.
For more information on winter readiness and tips on conserving water, visit Affinity Water Winter Readiness.