Severn Trent issued advice to customers to "Get Winter Ready" to avoid burst pipes on 19 November 2024, after snow fell across its region as temperatures plunged1. The water company said the Met Office had Yellow Weather warnings in place for the East and West Midlands that week, with the thermometer set to dip below zero1.
Snow fell in many areas that week, including Birmingham, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire and the East Midlands, according to Severn Trent1. The company's tips cover lagging pipes and knowing where the stop tap is in case of a leak1.
Kelsey Martin, water efficiency manager at Severn Trent, said:
"In cold weather, the water in your pipes can freeze and expand. It blocks them and can even make them burst, causing damage to your home."
The company's advice, as published, is set out below1.
| Area | Severn Trent's advice |
|---|---|
| Pipework, fittings and storage tanks in unheated areas (lofts, roofs, outbuildings, garages) | Wrap with insulation; it says good quality waterproof foam lagging is best, available at local DIY stores or, at the time of publication, free on its website at stwater.co.uk/savewater |
| Outside taps | Insulate them or drain them down to the pipework that links to the tap |
| DIY concerns | A registered plumber can check household pipes are properly lagged and fill any gaps; Severn Trent supports watersafe.org.uk, a search facility for qualified and approved plumbers |
| Stop tap | Find it and know how to turn it on and off; they are usually under the kitchen sink, downstairs toilet or utility room |
| Low pressure or no water | First check whether neighbours are affected; if their supply is normal it is likely a plumber is needed, and if more than one household is affected, call Severn Trent's 24 hour emergency number on 0800 783 4444 |
Why it matters for households
The advice applies to Severn Trent customers in the East and West Midlands, the area covered by the Met Office Yellow Weather warnings in place that week, with temperatures forecast to fall below zero1. Severn Trent says frozen water in pipes can block them and make them burst, causing damage to the home1. Its guidance covers pipes in sheds, garages and outbuildings as well as outside taps, and it advises households to know where their stop tap is before a leak happens1. For supply problems, it advises checking with neighbours first and calling its 24 hour emergency number on 0800 783 4444 if more than one household is affected1.
The Met Office Weather Warnings: Yellow, Amber and Red Explained guide sets out what each warning level means, and households can read how to sign up for alerts in How to Sign Up for Met Office Weather Alerts. Practical steps for the home are covered in Getting Your Home Ready for Cold Weather and Ice, part of the storms and snow section.
What happens next
The Met Office Yellow Weather warnings for the East and West Midlands were in place for the week of publication, with temperatures set to dip below zero1. No further dates have been reported.
Winter Home Preparation
