Uisce Éireann warns people of costly damage to water pipes as Ireland braces for Arctic blast

As Met Éireann have issued weather warnings across the country for snow and ice this weekend, Uisce Éireann has urged its customers to protect their water pipes from the freezing weather.

With temperatures set to drop below zero, water pipes are vulnerable to some costly damage. As water expands by almost 10% when it freezes, the flow of water through pipes can be impeded or stopped completely. This can result in even new pipes splitting.

Uisce Éireann has advised people to take some simple measures to avoid expensive repairs and disruptions to water supplies at home or in their business/farm.

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One of these steps includes checking any outside pipes that may become frozen or burst during the cold snap, and if possible, turn off the water supply to these areas or to any unoccupied premises. 

As well as this, Uisce Éireann has suggested that people set their heating to come on periodically at a lower temperature. This allows warm air to circulate and will help prevent pipes and tanks from freezing. 

Uisce Éireann spokesperson Margaret Attridge said: "With temperatures dipping below zero it is very important to continue the regular maintenance of your property, protect outside taps and farm troughs, and check empty premises.

"It also a good idea to familiarise yourself with your own internal water system and particularly how to turn off your supply at the stopcock so that you can protect your property in the event of a burst pipe."

Margaret has also urged people to conserve water and to not leave taps running as this will not necessarily prevent pipes from freezing and can instead impact your local water supply: "We also recommend that people don't run taps continually as this is not an effective way of preventing frozen pipes and can cause other problems such as frozen drains.

"It also puts further pressure on water supplies that are already challenged by the freezing conditions. Being mindful of water use at home, on farms and in businesses can make a big difference."