LOCALS are being reminded to ensure their water metres, pipes and fittings are all in good condition ahead of the upcoming winter months.
The reminder comes from Liverpool Plains Shire Council (LPSC) who is asking locals to be prepared for potentially freezing winter conditions.
LPSC mayor Andrew Hope said it’s vital for residents to take precautionary measures to save themselves trouble in the future.
“Every winter council gets phone calls from people with no water due to frozen and broken meters, so it is time now to ensure yours is properly protected from the elements,” Cr Hope said.
“It’s no fun having no hot water on a freezing cold morning and a frozen meter means no water for the household until the meter thaws out, so council is urging residents to pursue the best option, ensuring it doesn’t freeze in the first place.
“Not only can frozen water meters and water pipes stop water service, in the worst-case scenario they can also be expensive to repair or replace.”
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Cr Hope said an ice blockage in a water pipe may do unforeseen damage.
“A broken pipe is not caused by the radial expansion of ice against the wall of the pipe,” he said.
“The problem is the pressure that builds up downstream of the blockage towards the end of the line.
“This increase in water pressure leads to pipe failure and you’ll often find little or no ice has actually formed at that point. “
Cr Hope said having water metres easily accessible was also advisable.
“Frozen water pipes are inconvenient, broken water pipes are expensive, so please act now to safeguard this important infrastructure,” he said.
“You can greatly assist us speed up this process by having meters readily accessible and this also improves the accuracy of the readings.”
For more information about safeguarding water metres and pipes for winter contact the LPSC customer service desk on 6746 1755.
