Northumbrian Water

Winner of the Queen’s
Award for Enterprise

in the category of
sustainable development

We are proud to provide a sustainable, affordable, clean and safe water supply and to manage and treat the waste water returned to us in a way that protects the environment.

For business

Business customers

Builders and developers

Procurement and supply chain

Beat the freeze beware the thaw

Cold and frosty spells often cause water pipes to freeze and burst. If there is a big freeze and subsequent thaw then water from burst pipes can cause a lot of damage to property and its contents. If buildings are unoccupied then the problem may go unnoticed for several days with damage getting worse and your metered water simply going to waste.

Here are some great tips to help avoid frozen and burst pipes during the cold weather spells.

  • If you are leaving your building(s) unattended set your heating to come on for short periods every day.
  • Make sure pipes and tanks in the loft or roof space and any unheated areas are lagged with approved materials.
  • Mend any dripping taps or overflows.
  • Make sure you know where your internal stopcocks are and that they work.
  • If the building(s) are going to be empty for a long time, e.g. over Christmas and New Year, it may be worth considering regular visits to check inside and outside the property.
  • If there is a freeze make sure the key holder visits the property to check the pipes.
  • Check any trace heating is operational on any external pipework and inspect during cold spells.
  • Ensure any evaporative cooling systems that are in use are circulating at a sufficient temperature not to freeze, and inspect regularly.
  • If you have any unnecessary or little used processes, drain if possible.
  • Have contacts and procedures in place to deal with emergency situations.
  • How to check for leaks.
  • Know where your water meter is and any sub meters so key areas can be identified.
  • If you can, isolate the water supplies to areas which are vulnerable to freezing.
  • Remember we charge for any water which goes through the meter, even if its subsequently lost from site due to a leak not to mention the cost to your business if you experience an internal burst or leak.
  • If you notice a burst in the street or outside your premises contact Essex & Suffolk Water's Leakline on 0800 526 337 so we can investigate, repair and conserve this precious resource.

 Document  PDF
 Beat the freeze leaflet  

For further information contact us on: 0845 782 0999.