Southern Water has joined forces with industry organisations and the government to help customers get ready for winter.

Last year's freezing temperatures caused a record number of water leaks in households and on the water supply network.

In December 2010 alone, insurance companies received 103,000 claims for property damage at a cost of £680 million after burst pipes flooded homes across the UK.

Cold weather can also interrupt water supplies and cause central heating systems to break down, meaning it's essential you take the steps necessary to avoid winter misery.

- Click here to see what we are doing to get ready for winter.
- Click here to see a frozen pipe burst.
- Click here for information on how we can help if you suffer a burst pipe or leak in your home.

A section has been set up on the government's DirectGov website offering information and advice to help you prepare for the big chill. You can also see some of our tips below.

1. Avoiding frozen pipes

   • ■ Insulate water tanks and lag pipes (lagging material is available from all good DIY stores). Make sure there are no gaps at bends, valves or fittings.
     ■ Pay special attention to water tanks and pipes in unheated areas like loft spaces and garages, and check insulation in any property likely to be unoccupied for long periods.
     ■ Fix leaks and dripping taps – even a small trickle can result in a frozen pipe. New meters being installed by us across our region are the most advanced in the water industry and include a ‘leak alarm’ to help find leaks more easily on household supply pipes. These leaks are the responsibility of the householder but to help everyone save water, we will fix up to three external leaks free of charge.
     ■ Find your property’s internal stopcock and make sure you can turn it off if necessary. Most stopcocks are fitted under the kitchen sink and close by turning clockwise.
     ■ Check your boiler has been serviced.
     ■ Minimise draughts from outside and close doors and windows to unheated parts of the property.
     ■ Leave the heating on low when you are away and get a friend or neighbour to check the property regularly.
     ■ If a property (such as an office or school) is going to be unoccupied for long periods, turn off the water at the stopcock and consider draining down the system so there is no water left in the pipes.
     ■ Keep a separate supply of drinking water for emergencies.

2. If a pipe freezes

   • ■ Turn off the water supply at the stopcock.
     ■ Check to see if the pipe has burst.
     ■ Open the affected tap. Slowly thaw the pipe with hot water bottles or a towel soaked in hot water, starting at the end nearest the tap.
     ■ Never use a naked flame, hair-dryer or blowtorch to thaw the pipe.
     ■ Don’t leave taps dripping or running as the water may not drain down the plughole if the pipe below is frozen.
      

3. If a pipe bursts

   • ■ Turn off the stopcock and boiler.
     ■ Open all taps to drain the system quickly.
     ■ Soak up/block off escaping water with thick towels.
     ■ Call a qualified plumber. Local water industry recommended plumbers can be found at www.wras.co.uk/WIAPS.
     ■ If water has leaked near your electrics or into any electrical appliances, switch them off at the mains.
     ■ Turn off taps once pipework is repaired to avoid further flooding.
     ■ If you have your own plumber, make a note of their name and number on our leaflet so you have it handy in an emergency.

See why it's important you get ready for winter: