An URGENT “be prepared” warning has been issued to Irish homeowners ahead of ice and snow forecasts.

As winter settles in, Uisce Éireann is reminding everyone to take five simple steps to protect their water pipes from the cold.

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With temperatures expected to drop well below freezing across the country this week, preventing pipes from bursting can save both hassle and money.

When water freezes, it expands by almost 10 percent, which can cause pipes to rupture, even if they are new.

To help you avoid the headaches of a burst pipe this winter, Uisce Éireann shares some practical tips.

First, make sure your water tanks and pipes are insulated, as exposed pipes are particularly vulnerable to cold weather, and lagging can help prevent them from freezing.

Another important tip is to have your boiler serviced.

A well-maintained boiler keeps your heating efficient and can even help reduce energy bills all winter.

Uisce Éireann also recalls owners I don’t remember fixing their dripping faucets.

While this is always a good idea, it is especially crucial in winter, as dripping water can freeze and create dangerous slippery areas.

It’s also worth checking your indoor shut-off valve, as knowing where it is and how to close it can save your life in the event of a leak.

Sealing gaps around windows and doors can also help keep the cold out and will reduce the risk of pipes freezing due to drafts in winter.

Margaret Attridge Uisce Éireann said taking these simple steps now can avoid stress and unexpected costs later.

She said: “There’s no time like the present to prepare, and following our five simple steps can help homeowners avoid stress and expense.

“It’s not just about saving money and preventing damage to the home, but also about ensuring a sustainable water supply for everyone in our community.

“We know that demand for water tends to increase significantly at this time of year. By following these simple steps, homeowners and businesses can really make a difference and help ensure the taps keep flowing for everyone. “

Keep an eye on water consumption

As well as preparing your own home for winter, Uisce Éireann encourages everyone to keep an eye on their water consumption.

Simple actions like checking for leaks or reporting them can make a big difference in maintaining a sustainable environment. water supply for everyone.

If you’re going away for a few days, consider having someone check on your house regularly to make sure everything is going well.

And if you haven’t already, you can sign up for Uisce Éireann’s free text alerts to stay informed of any supply issues or outages in your area.

For more advice on winter proofing your home, visit the Uisce Éireann website at https://www.water.ie/help/supply/winterproofing.

Prepare your house in advance

Tips from water.ie

• Insulate water tanks and pipes
• Maintain your boiler
• Check your interior shut-off valve
• Fixing dripping external faucets
• Collapse all drafts

Once the temperature drops:

• Circulate warm air to unheated areas
• Running your faucets won’t stop pipes from freezing
• Provide a supply of fresh drinking water