Be Prepared For Winter

Our tips for looking after your pipes this winter

6 degrees and milder

Leave your heating on, using a low setting
If you live in a flat, leave the heating on low in rooms where the mains pipe supplies neighbouring flats
When you're going away then make sure you have someone who can regularly check for any problems
Make sure neighbours have a key for your home (or contact details for someone who does) in case of an emergency
If your property is going to be vacant over the winter months, turn off your water supply and drain the system - a licensed plumber should be able to give you advice about this - visit www.needaplumber.org
Now is a good time to locate your stop valve in your home
You may want to consider fitting an automatic stop valve - they can reduce damage to your property from burst internal pipes

1C to 5C

Your water tank should be fitted with an insulation jacket or alternatively, the top and sides of the tank can be wrapped with suitable insulation material. Don't place loft insulation under the tank, as this stops heat from the rooms below helping to keep the tank warm
Toilet cisterns, water tanks or pipes in exposed places or unheated outbuildings, should be insulated. Better still drain them for winter if you're not using them
Watch our film on insulating your pipes
Buy good quality insulation - the thinner the pipe the thicker the insulation must be. 15mm or 1/2" pipes need insulation which is 25mm thick, 28mm or 1" pipe needs insulation which is at least 19mm thick

0 degrees and under

0^oC: Pipes are now liable to freeze
Dripping water increases the risk of freezing, so have any leaks at taps or valves repaired as soon as you discover them
Watch our film on what to do if a pipe freezes
Cold draughts also increase your heating bills and can cause frozen pipework
Look out for your neighbours, especially the frail, elderly and vulnerable
Watch our film on what to do if a pipe bursts

Read more tips in our Protect your pipes leaflet

We're working with other people to be prepared for winter

The Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers' Federation (SNIPEF) has launched its winter campaign supported by Scottish Water.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) is helping us to get our Be Prepared - Protect your Pipes message out to communities across Scotland.

Scottish Water is also supporting the Scottish Government's Ready Scotland campaign as it advises on preparing for and dealing with emergencies.

Landlords should take steps to prepare their homes and tenants for a trouble-free winter. Make sure your tenants are prepared and know how to protect their pipes. For more helpful tips, landlords can visit the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) website

The Energy Saving Trust (Scotland) is backing our winter campaign, visit their site for more winter and energy-saving advice.