With temperatures having rapidly risen over the weekend, residents have been advised to look-out for leaks on water pipes in their homes or businesses.

Pipes that have been damaged by the freezing weather, may begin to leak or burst as the frozen water starts to thaw.

Burst and leaking pipes can cause damage to your home or business, so being prepared can help to reduce the impact of flooding from burst pipes, which can be extremely distressing as well as costly and time-consuming to repair.

If you do have a burst pipe, Cumbria Fire and Rescue service have released some advice to help mitigate the affects.

Find your stop tap, which is usually under the kitchen sink and turn it clockwise to turn off the water.   Watch our video below for advice on how to find your stop tap.

Turn off your heating, open all your taps to drain the system quickly.

Soak up any escaping water with towels.

Check with your home insurance company to see if you’re covered for leaks and bursts or call a plumber.

If you need to find a plumber in your area visit www.watersafe.org.uk

If water has leaked near your electrics switch them off at the mains.

Please think about your family, friends and vulnerable neighbours and share this information with them too.

 

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