'Find and fix' teams respond to eagle-eyed customers
Customers across Severn Trent Water’s region have helped to save water by spotting and reporting leaks as the promised big thaw gets into full swing.
Fraser Pithie, Severn Trent’s senior operations manager, said: “We'd like to say thank you to all our customers who have reported bursts and leaks so far. We’ve brought in extra staff at our Leicester customer service centre to deal with the reports – please keep them coming!
“We’re working around the clock to respond as quickly as possible to all the calls we’re getting, and carry out any repairs needed on our water mains.”
Anyone who spots a leak can report it either via the Leakline on 0800 783 4444, or on-line through the Severn Trent Water website.
“Since Monday, Severn Trent Water has, with the help of its customers, fixed more than 470 bursts around the region, which in turn has helped save water,” said Fraser. “This is a third up on the same period last year.
“And more than 10,000 calls have been made to the customer call centre during that time. Many of the calls earlier in the week came from people reporting problems with frozen pipes at home – a problem that Severn Trent, unfortunately, is unable to help with, while the later calls included many from customers telling us about leaks they’d spotted both at home, and while out and about.”
The rapid thaw that’s happening today (Friday) means that through the weekend customers could suffer from pipe bursts at home, at commercial premises and properties managed by estate or letting agents. The latter, in particular, are vulnerable as unprotected pipes under floorboards, in unoccupied premises and in outbuildings are most likely to experience bursts. As the thaw takes effect, pipes that have frozen, expanded and then split will contract and start leaking.
“We maintain a 46,000km network of pipes across a huge area, so customers will often spot a leak before we can: we’re always grateful for your help,” Fraser said.
Tips for the thaw
• If you spot a leak, call the Leakline number on 0800 783 4444 or report it on-line via the Severn Trent website
• Check for visible signs of damage to pipework. Find and test your internal stop tap (also known as a stop cock). If you are unlucky enough to get frozen pipes and lose your water supply, you are likely to suffer a burst - so you will need to be able to turn the water off if that happens.
• If you lose your water supply, check and see if your neighbour has too. If your neighbour has water, then it'll more than likely be a frozen pipe or a leak on your supply pipe, not a Severn Trent main.
• For pipework in your home, contact a plumber as soon as you can. If your neighbours or others in your street are affected as well, contact Severn Trent.
• Help neighbours, your family and friends by passing on this advice.