Businesses across the North East are being urged to protect their properties as temperatures are set to plummet throughout December.
Northumbrian Water are advising business owners to ensure that their work spaces are winter-ready - or else risk the hassle and cost of a burst pipe during the most expensive season of the year.
As the colder days start drawing in, and with snow said to hit the North East over the coming weeks, there is a greater risk of pipes freezing or bursting – leaving businesses without hot running water.
According to the Association of British Insurers, a burst pipe could cost on average a whopping £8,800 to fix.
Jim Howey, Head of Water Networks North at Northumbrian Water, said: “Not all business owners realise this, but all pipework within your business boundary is your responsibility – which means it is worth protecting it to avoid unnecessary costs.
“There are many simple steps that businesses can take to minimise the risk of a burst pipe, including insulating with pipe lagging, fixing dripping taps and minimising draughts.
“We would also like to remind businesses to check their boiler has been serviced, to familiarise themselves with the location of the internal stopcock, and to remember to ensure that all fire systems are adequality protected from freezing.”
With businesses still operating within tier three restrictions, the water company has asked them to make sure their properties are protected, even if they are not in use.
For example, if a property is going to be unoccupied or un-used for a while, turn off the water at the stopcock and drain the system so there is no water left in the pipes. Also, it is advised that heating is left on low during the colder months.
Northumbrian Water’s Winter Checklist for Businesses:
- Check you have a plan for where your pipework is
- Have a contact for a local plumber to hand
- Have a copy of your insurance documentation
- Check you know where your stopcock and any control valves are, so any leaks can be isolated
- Check the stopcock and valves are working
- Check or add any pipe lagging
- Check any trace heating or thermostats are working
- Check your heating system is serviced and in good working order
- Isolate and drain down any unused water pipework in unheated or un-used areas
- Isolate any outside taps and cover/insulate them and remove all outside hoses
- Regularly check your premises and repair any leaks
For more ways to protect your business, visit – www.nwl.co.uk/beatthefreeze