Britain is facing a severe cold snap, with the Met Office issuing urgent warnings for ice and snow as temperatures are forecast to plummet to a bitter -7C across large parts of the country.
Weather Warnings and Urgent Household Advice
The Met Office has activated further weather alerts starting from Thursday, November 20. With the freeze comes a heightened risk of burst or frozen pipes, prompting an unusual but vital piece of advice for homeowners.
Authorities are urging every household to locate their internal stop tap immediately. This crucial valve, which controls the water supply to your property, is typically found under the kitchen sink but can also be in utility rooms, basements, or under stairs.
The Christmas Tag Lifesaver
In a clever seasonal tip, the Met Office suggests using a spare Christmas present label to write down the name and number of a WaterSafe approved emergency plumber. Attach this tag directly to the stop tap.
This simple step ensures that in a stressful emergency, the vital contact information is immediately to hand, potentially saving precious minutes and preventing extensive water damage to your home.
What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency
If you discover a burst or frozen pipe, the first and most critical action is to turn off your stop tap. This stops more water from flooding into your property.
Once the water supply is cut, you should:
- Run your cold taps to help drain the system.
- Flush toilets to clear the pipes.
- Capture some of this water in buckets for drinking and flushing while the supply is off.
For frozen pipes, never use a direct heat source like a blowtorch. Instead, thaw them slowly using hot water bottles or towels soaked in hot water. After taking these initial steps, contact a WaterSafe approved plumber to make the necessary repairs and get advice on future prevention.
With the cold weather set to continue, being prepared is your best defence against winter plumbing disasters.
