As the student halls fall silent and offices begin to wind down for the festive season, NI Water is jingling the bells to remind everyone to give their premises a little Christmas care. Before you dash away on your holidays, make sure to safeguard your property from frozen pipes. Remember, the only things bursting with excitement this Christmas should be presents, not water pipes.

Don’t let a leaky pipe turn your holidays into a washout with NI Water’s top tips to keep your water pipes safe:

• Take a sleigh ride to every space: check all unoccupied premises – even Santa’s little-used workshop needs a look-in!
• Wrap up warm – pipes included: insulate your water pipes just as you would your favourite Christmas jumper.
• Know your reindeer routes: locate your stop valve and make sure all your elves (fellow uni students or staff) know how to turn it off in a flash.
• Neighbourly cheer: If your business is next to an empty unit, jot down a contact number for the estate agent or owner – just in case Jack Frost causes a leak next door!
• Christmas back-up plan: consider what you’d do if your water had to be switched off for a while. Got a contingency plan to keep things merry and bright?
• Meter magic for businesses: if your business has a meter, know it’s hiding place and check it more often than you check your Advent calendar! A big jump in numbers could mean a sneaky leak.
• Festive closure checklist: if you’re shutting up shop for the holidays, set your heating timer and have someone pop by regularly to check all is calm, all is bright.
• Speed dial for Santa’s plumber: keep the number of a plumber who’s ready to dash over – even on a silent night! Type in your postcode at www.watersafe.org.uk to find your nearest accredited plumbing business.
• Insurance icebreaker: make sure your insurance covers burst pipes – peace of mind is the best present of all.

What to do if a burst pipe tries to steal your Christmas cheer:

• Be a Christmas star – act fast: Turn off your stop valve (righty-tighty, clockwise!)
• Call in the Christmas Miracle Maker: Phone your plumber straight away – type in your postcode at www.watersafe.org.uk to find your nearest accredited plumbing business.
• Check your list twice: Notify your insurance company to keep everything wrapped up and worry-free.

Just like a surprise guest turning up at your Christmas party, large leaks that slip under the radar can cause quite the stir on the water supply system.

• If you spot a leak or a burst that’s threatening to put a damper on the festive cheer, let NI Water know straight away. You can reach us on our website www.niwater.com/report-a-leak-or-burst-pipe/, via our handy webchat www.niwater.com/contact-us/, or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/niwater and X (formerly Twitter) @niwnews – we’ll be ready with our digital sleigh!