FIGHT THE FROST AND AVOID BURST PIPES THIS WINTER

As winter sets in and temperatures drop, South Staffordshire Water is urging
its customers to take just eight simple steps to avoid the distress of burst
pipes. It is reminding customers that when frozen water pipes burst, it can
bring hundreds of litres of water cascading through ceilings causing costly
damage to buildings, possessions and furniture.

Director of Distribution Matthew Lewis said: "Burst pipes cause so much
damage and misery and repairs can be very expensive. It is important that
people and businesses take steps during the winter months to fight the frost
and protect their water pipes. This is particularly important for businesses
that are closing down over the Christmas period or if any households are
going away over Christmas or the New Year."

South Staffordshire Water's eight frost-busting tips include:



. Insulate all pipes in draughty or cold areas with lagging

· Repair any dripping taps immediately

· Make sure all taps in your home and garden are fully turned off

· Ensure cisterns and tanks are lagged. Leave the loft hatch slightly
ajar to help heat circulate in the roof-space

· Insulate all roof pipework and lag outside pipes with insulating
material available from most DIY stores

· While away, it's a good idea to leave the central heating on low or
drain down the system after turning off the water supply at the internal
stop tap

· If a pipe bursts, turn off the stop tap and central heating boiler
and call a reputable plumber or your insurance company

· Shut all doors and windows to minimise draughts from outside

Councillor Phil Bateman. Chairman of the South Staffordshire Water Customer
Consultative Committee added "Now is the time to protect your homes, schools
and workplaces from burst pipes. Those who have experienced burst pipes will
know that prevention is much better than cure. Take the professionals advice
act now and take the necessary precautions to safe guard your property."

South Staffordshire Water serves large parts of the Black Country,
including Walsall, Sandwell and Dudley, together with areas such as
Tamworth, Uttoxeter, Burton, Lichfield, Sutton Coldfield and Cannock. In
total, the Company serves a population of 1.2 million. The Company supplies
330 million litres of water every day across a network of pipes that total
6,000 km in length to approximately 500,000 homes and 36,000 business
customers in a 1,500km2 area.