Wessex Water is calling on customers to take extra precautions to protect their homes this winter as temperatures begin to drop.

Homeowners are being urged to fix dripping taps or overflows and to insulate pipes in cold and draughty areas to avoid expensive plumbing bills.

Each winter hundreds of incidents occur across the Wessex Water region that involve pipes bursting after becoming frozen.

However, Nigel Martin head of water supply at Wessex Water, said taking simple steps could help prevent costly repairs.

“Customers should firstly know where their stop tap is, so it can be easily located if a leak does occur.

“Bursts can often happen in exposed areas of homes such as attics, outbuilding or garages due to water expanding as it freezes.

“This can put a large amount of pressure on water pipes and can cause piping to split or leak and can become a costly hazard at home or at the workplace.

By insulating pipes with lagging, particularly in draughty areas, it will help prevent against pipes bursting when it gets cold.”

He added: “Anyone unsure of how to carry out these repairs should seek assistance from family or friends or contact an approved WaterSafe plumber.”

Wessex Water is also advising customers to ensure their stop tap is working as well as considering leaving the heating on low if you go away.

If you suspect you have a frozen pipe or tap in your home consider taking the following steps:

• Turn off your water supply at the internal stop tap, usually located in your kitchen.

• Partly turn on any affected taps until the pipes have thawed – this will allow any water that was frozen to pass through.

• If you are unable to locate the section of pipe or tap that is frozen you could help speed up the thawing process by gently heating it, perhaps with a hot water bottle or by wrapping it in warm towels.

• Never use extreme heat such as a naked flame or boiling water as this could cause a leak. Opening any cupboards containing pipes will also help them thaw.

• Once pipes or the tap has thawed turn on the water supply at the internal stop tap.

• You may want to call a plumber for further help and advice. Once pipes have thawed consider using lagging to help prevent pipes from freezing again.

For more information visit www.wessexwater.co.uk/frost