Just had a Clarion Housing Association tenant with a burst outdoor water pipe not being able to contact the emergency number – each time we tried to phone it rang through, then cut off after 30 seconds!! It seems the stopcock was nowhere to be found but luckily a good neighbour, thanks John, was able to put in a temporary repair. Eventually got through on my phone waiting 47 minutes until Clarion responded and she was able to talk to someone.
With higher temperatures due tomorrow, now is the time to beware that thawing snow and ice makes pipes susceptible to bursting. Water companies are already seeing high demand for tap water which could be due to leaking pipes. This is particularly the case where houses may not have been heated as well as normally.
Do ensure you know where the stopcock is to turn off the water supply so in the event of a burst you can limit the damage, normally located under the sink. Plastic outdoor pipes are particularly prone to bursting as in this instance and if they cannot be isolated from the main supply should be lagged in cold weather to protect them.