Tips and tricks to keep your water flowing in winter.
Some water meters and pipes sit above the ground and may be vulnerable to the cold, particularly when temperatures fall below zero. The water sitting inside meters and pipes can freeze when exposed to very cold temperatures. This will result in your property having no water and can lead to damage such as broken or split pipes.
Cover your water meter in cold weather
If the temperature is forecast to drop below zero, cover the meter to trap the air around it and stop the water inside it from freezing.
You can use regular household items to cover your meter, such as:
plastic tubs
cardboard boxes
blankets
buckets.
Make sure the items can be easily removed in case our meter readers or maintenance crews have to access the meter – we need 10cm clearance at all times.
Preventing your pipes from freezing
Any exposed pipes sitting above the ground will be vulnerable to cold weather. To stop them from freezing over, use insulating material to protect them from the cold. Hardware stores stock a range of materials to fit snugly over your pipes.
Pay special attention to the bends and joints. Also, clean the pipes before applying the insulation and check for leaks so the insulation stays dry.
Thawing your pipes and meter
Ideally, you should wait for frozen meters and pipes to thaw naturally as the temperature rises. If you can't wait, pour lukewarm water over the frozen area. Don’t use boiling or hot water as this can make your pipes split.
If your water meter splits or breaks, call us on 13 44 99 and we can arrange a replacement. If the pipes on your side of the meter are damaged, you'll need to call a licensed plumber.
