Act now to prevent a water emergency this winter 

As the Met Office issues fresh warnings for snow and ice this week, WaterSafe is urging households to write the details of a WaterSafe-approved emergency plumber on a spare Christmas gift tag and attach it to their property’s stop tap.  

Knowing where your stop tap is and how to turn your water supply off could help prevent flooding and damage if a pipe freezes or bursts, while having the number of an approved plumber to hand could save the day in an emergency. 

More than one in ten (14 per cent) households surveyed don’t know how to find and use their stop tap to turn the water off in case of a burst pipe, according to research by the national register of approved plumbers WaterSafe. It’s often found under the kitchen sink, but could also be in a kitchen cupboard, bathroom, or garage. 

According to the Association of British Insurers, claims for escape of water damage are one of the most common types, with insurers paying out £1.8 million for it every day. 

Jonathan Samuel, Director at WaterSafe, said: “Our research shows that not only do 14% of UK residents not know how to find and use their stop tap, but almost a quarter (23%) of residents have had a burst pipe in the past, so it’s a real risk in wintry weather.” 

“Pipes freezing and bursting can cause extensive damage to homes and businesses but taking simple steps, such as knowing where your stop tap is, can limit any damage.” 

“Writing the details of a local WaterSafe-approved plumber on a gift tag and attaching it to the stop tap means you can turn off your water supply and know who to contact if you have a pr plumbing emergency.” 

“You should also insulate outside pipes and taps, as well as any pipes in unheated areas of the home, such as the loft.”  

Met Office Head of Warnings and Guidance Holly Clements said: “As the seasons change, it’s a great time to pause and make sure we’re ready for whatever weather this winter might bring. We want to encourage people to get out and enjoy the season, and to do so safely and with confidence knowing they’re prepared for whatever conditions they might face.”   

“The Met Office’s WeatherReady advice pages bring together lots of helpful guidance from our expert partners so that people know exactly what they can do to prepare ahead of impactful weather.” 

For further advice on winter-proofing your plumbing, or to find an approved plumber, visit www.watersafe.org.uk