The Met Office warned that week that the weather was about to turn, with rain, frost and severe gales on the way, according to Severn Trent Water, which cited the warning in a news release dated 17 November 20221. The release set out the water company's advice for households preparing their homes for winter1. The Met Office warning itself has not been reported in further detail here: no warning levels, regions or dates were given in the material available1.
Severn Trent's network control business lead, Jonathon Wroe, said fats and grease put down sinks solidify quickly in pipes and can cause blockages, and that cold temperatures can cause problems for water pipes exposed above ground1. The company's tips covered three areas of the home1:
| Area | Advice given by Severn Trent |
|---|---|
| In the bathroom | Check for and fix leaky loos and taps; flush only the 3Ps (pee, poo and toilet paper) and keep a bin for unflushable items such as sanitary towels, tampons, nappies and wipes |
| In the kitchen | Use kitchen roll to soak up grease from plates and pans before washing up; collect used cooking oil, fat and grease in a container, jar or tin and bin it once cool |
"With the Met Office warning this week that the weather is about to turn, with rain, frost and severe gales on the way"
Severn Trent said customers with slow drains, or a blocked sewer that is the company's responsibility, can report it at www.stwater.co.uk or by calling 0800 783 4444, and that its call centre and field teams work all day, every day, including Christmas Day1. The company also said it has support schemes for customers struggling to pay bills over winter1.
Why it matters for households
The warning covers the practical effects of cold and stormy weather on the home rather than any specific forecast area or timing, which have not been reported1. Severn Trent's advice is directed at its own customers but addresses problems common to any household with exposed pipework or drains: burst pipes, frozen outdoor taps and blockages caused by fat and grease1. The company also operates a Priority Service Register, intended to make sure those who need extra help in case of issues with supply are supported, and is encouraging customers, friends or family to let it know of anyone who might benefit from being checked on, or who needs a certain supply in case of an issue on the network1. Households can read more on Met Office weather warnings: yellow, amber and red explained and on how to sign up for Met Office weather alerts, and on council help in severe weather.
What happens next
No further dates were given for the weather itself or for any subsequent warnings1. Severn Trent said its teams remain available every day over the winter period for supply and sewer problems1.
