Severn Trent issued winter advice to its customers on 15 December 2022, warning that temperatures were forecast to rise rapidly over the coming weekend after a cold spell. The water company encouraged customers to be on the lookout for leaks on the private pipework around their homes1.
The company explained why a thaw follows a freeze in this way. "When water freezes within a pipe it expands, putting more pressure on the pipes and joints, often causing pipes to split or joints to pull apart," it said, adding that "when the temperature starts to increase again, the water can start to leak out"1. It also said that when the ground freezes and then rapidly unfreezes, ground movement can put pressure on pipes and cause them to burst1.
Severn Trent set out the boundary of its responsibility. It said it is "only responsible for the water mains and service pipes in the public highway", and that "anything inside the property boundary is the responsibility of the homeowner"1. Its head of water treatment, Stephanie Cawley, said:
"Freezing temperatures followed by a sudden thaw can lead to pipes leaking and bursting, especially if they have not been protected by pipe lagging."
The company's advice covered several situations:
| Situation | Severn Trent's advice1 |
|---|---|
| No water from the tap | Check with neighbours first. If they have water, the pipes on your property are likely frozen. |
| Thawing pipes | Use a hairdryer or a heater, without thawing them too quickly. |
| Burst pipes | Get a plumber to come out to fix them. |
| Preventing freezing | Wrap all pipework, fittings and storage tanks in unheated areas such as lofts, roofs, outbuildings and garages with insulation, with no gaps even where pipes bend. |
| Stop tap | Know where it is so it can be reached quickly in an emergency, and check that it works. |
| Supply problems | If neighbours' supply is normal, it is likely a plumber is needed. If more than one household is affected, ring Severn Trent's 24-hour emergency number, 0800 783 4444. |
| Leaks on the Severn Trent network | Report them through the company's website. |
Severn Trent said there was still time to lag pipes, which it described as "absolutely the best way to make sure they don't freeze"1. It also said customers could order free pipe and tap jackets through its Get Water Fit initiative while stocks last1.
Why it matters for households
The warning applies to Severn Trent customers, with the risk period being the rapid rise in temperatures forecast for the weekend following 15 December 20221. The practical point for households is the split in responsibility: anything inside the property boundary is the homeowner's responsibility, so leaks and bursts on private pipework are not repaired by the company1. Severn Trent advises households to check with neighbours when the water stops, to thaw pipes gradually with a hairdryer or heater, and to call a plumber for a burst pipe1. Where more than one household is affected, it directs customers to its 24-hour emergency number, 0800 783 44441.
The company also highlighted its Priority Services Register, which supports those who need extra help in case of issues with supply. It encouraged customers, friends and 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.
What happens next
No further dates were given beyond the weekend rise in temperatures forecast at the time of the announcement1. Severn Trent said customers can get the latest updates via its website1.
For households dealing with frozen or burst pipes, the site's guides cover thawing pipes safely and preventing freezing, what to do if a pipe bursts, finding water leaks on your property and who repairs them, and the wider home emergencies hub covering fire, carbon monoxide, gas leaks and burst pipes.
Frozen Pipes Thawing
Home Emergencies
Water Leaks Finding and Repair
What to Do If a Pipe Bursts
