Avoid winter water damage to your home

Whether you are spending time at home or planning a trip away this festive season, make sure you take some simple steps to avoid winter water damage as the weather turns colder.

Help avoid burst pipes and prevent damage to your home and your belongings by doing a few simple things:

Try to keep your home reasonably warm, day and night - consider leaving your central heating on low and using your timer, even if you are going away for a few days.

Check that the stopcock works so that you can turn off the water if there is a burst. It is usually in the kitchen or bathroom. Also, never leave a tap dripping!

In fact, if you’re going away, then it is a good idea to have someone who can regularly check your property for any problems.  

For Council House tenants, if you go away for more than a few days in winter, we will turn the water off and drain your system down, for free. Tenants can telephone 01349 886602 to arrange this. If an emergency does occur, please remember that the Highland Council does not insure your furniture, belongings or decoration against flood, theft, fire, vandalism and other household risks. You must ensure that you have your own household contents insurance.

Visit http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/public-safety/ready-scotland for more information and advice on protecting your home or business over the winter months.