Take control this winter – lag your pipes

As Yorkshire prepares for Christmas and New Year festivities, Yorkshire Water is reminding customers to insulate their pipes, to prevent them from freezing and potentially bursting. 

Lagging pipes not only prevents them freezing during cold weather, it can also help save money on bills and save on the cost of repairs should a pipe burst and cause damage to your property.  

With many people visiting friends and family over the festive period, lagging pipes is a great way to ensure you don’t come back to a costly surprise when you return home. 

Polyethylene foam is most commonly used to prevent pipes freezing in the home and is versatile so can be used indoors or outdoors. It’s also fairly cheap to purchase and can be installed without the need of a professional if the pipework is not located under your flooring. 

Emily Brady from Yorkshire Water said: “Pipes that are not properly insulated can freeze during the colder months, and this can lead to pipes cracking, becoming blocked or burst, which can cause flooding.  

“The responsibility of pipes on private properties lies with the homeowner, and bursts can cause lots of damage to your home, so we advise that you lag your exposed pipes so they’re protected from the colder weather.” 

Pipes, taps, cisterns, tanks and water meters in unheated areas that might be exposed to the cold need to be lagged. 

When these have been identified, cut a piece of lagging to size and clip it on. The lagging can be secured by using some cable ties. Lagging will also help insulate the properties hot water system and could help customers save money on bills.  

For outdoor taps, use a tap cover to stop them freezing or a rubber pipe, which is good at withstanding extreme temperatures. 

For more information, visit our website on getting winter ready