Uisce Eireann is urging Clare homeowners to take action to prevent pipes from freezing ahead of the cold snap.
When temperatures fall below zero, water can expand by up to 10% as it freezes into ice, stopping its flow and in some cases, causing new pipes to split.
To avoid expensive repairs and a disrupted water supply, the utility is advising the public to regularly check their pipes and if possible turn off supply to any unoccupied premises.
Alternatively, people can consider setting the heating to come on periodically at a lower temperature, which allows warm air to circulate and will help to prevent pipes and tanks from freezing in the cold weather.
Uisce Éireann spokesperson Margaret Attridge says “With temperatures dipping below zero it is very important to continue the regular maintenance of your property, protect outside taps and farm troughs, and check empty premises. It also a good idea to familiarise yourself with your own internal water system and particularly how to turn off your supply at the stopcock so that you can protect your property in the event of a burst pipe.”
Margaret is also asking people to conserve water and not to leave taps running as this will not necessarily prevent pipes from freezing and can impact on your local water supply. “We also recommend that people don’t run taps continually as this is not an effective way of preventing frozen pipes and can cause other problems such as frozen drains. It also puts further pressure on water supplies that are already challenged by the freezing conditions. Being mindful of water use at home, on farms and in businesses can make a big difference.”
To help people avoid issues like this and stay safe, warm and comfortable during the cold snap we have lots of helpful advice on our page, Winterproofing | Help | Uisce Éireann
The Uisce Éireann Customer Care Team is also available to help 24/7 on 1800 278 278.
Customers can also sign up to our free text alerts scheme which gives details of supply interruptions that last longer than four hours as well as details on planned and unplanned outages and boil water notices should they be needed to protect public health. To sign up simply log onto water.ie and input your Eircode and mobile number.
