YORKSHIRE Water is urging customers to insulate their pipes to prevent them from freezing and potentially bursting over the weekend as the Met Office issues a yellow weather warning for snow and ice.

Lagging pipework reduces the risk of them freezing and bursting during cold weather, as well as reducing heat loss from any hot water pipes.

If a pipe within private property were to burst, this could cause damage that can be costly to repair.

Emily Brady, communications manager at Yorkshire Water said: “We’re expecting incredibly cold weather this weekend, with heavy snow and freezing rain in some places. 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.”

The responsibility of pipes on private property lies with the homeowner, so it’s important to check that pipes, taps, cisterns, tanks and water meters in unheated areas that might be exposed to the cold are lagged.

Polyethylene foam is most commonly used to prevent pipes freezing. It can be used indoors and outdoors, is relatively cheap, and can be installed without the need for a professional if the pipework is not located under flooring.

Outdoor taps can be insulated using a stop tap cover or a rubber pipe.

Yorkshire Water is also offering advice to those who turn on the tap to find no water, as it may be that there is a frozen pipe. If this is the case, take the following steps to get your water running again:

  • Check all exposed pipes for any leaks or bursts

  • If a pipe has burst, then turn your water off at the stop tap to minimise damage and water loss and find a trusted plumber via Water Safe.

  • If you don’t see a burst or leak, turn the tap on at your kitchen sink and heat the pipe with a hairdryer

  • Never use a naked flame to defrost a pipe

You can read more on getting winter ready and watch a demonstration on how to lag your pipes on the Yorkshire Water website.