Businesses are urged to protect and prepare

Scottish Water is encouraging business owners to protect their pipes and be prepared before the weather turns wintry.
Sean Batty at the launch of the campaign. Photo: Victoria StewartSean Batty at the launch of the campaign. Photo: Victoria Stewart
Sean Batty at the launch of the campaign. Photo: Victoria Stewart

It’s not just homes that need protecting this winter, but business premises can be vulnerable to prolonged cold temperatures in the winter months too.

Peter Farrer, Scottish Chief Operating Officer, said: “There’s no telling whether there will be a repeat of the extreme conditions we experienced in the past and that is why it is sensible for people across Scotland to start thinking about protecting their pipes, whether at home or at work, and make sure they are prepared.

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“Very often people assume that it won’t happen to them, but there are few things more frustrating than opening up your work premises to find everything ankle deep in freezing water and your stock, carpets and equipment all ruined because of a burst pipe.

“Businesses which take action now to heat, insulate and protect their properties overnight, over the weekend and particularly during the festive period can avoid this potentially costly headache. Across Scotland, business owners need to ensure that they are prepared.”

The Scottish Water Winter campaign, launched with the support of STV weather forecaster Sean Batty in early October, recommends a three-point guide to help avoid the misery, inconvenience and cost of failing to be prepared and take measures to prevent frozen or burst pipes caused by freezing conditions.

The Scottish Water Winter Code advises anyone with a home, holiday home or business premises to take action to heat, insulate and protect their properties, whether the property is old or new, ahead of any cold weather.

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Heat: Warmth offers the best protection against frozen pipes, so leave your heating on a low setting. If you are going away, ensure someone can visit regularly to check for any problems. If the property is vacant over winter, turn off the water supply and drain the system; Insulate: Ensure your water tank is fitted with an insulation jacket or wrapped with suitable insulation material. Water pipes, tanks or toilet cisterns in unheated outbuildings or exposed places should also be insulated. If not in use over winter, have them drained; Protect: Dripping water increases the risk of freezing, so repair any leaks at taps or valves as soon as possible. Also reduce draughts, which can cause frozen pipework, by fitting draught excluders on doors and windows. Customers should visit www.scottishwater.co.uk/winter where they can find winter information, films and advice.

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