Uisce Éireann offers advice to help Kildare residents prepare for freezing conditions

Given that Ireland is already experiencing winter, Uisce Éireann (UE) has offered advice in order to help County Kildare households and businesses prepare for freezing conditions.

It comes shortly after ten counties across Ireland, including Kildare, were issued with a Status Yellow Low Temperature and Ice warning earlier today (November 20).

The warning will come into effect from 11pm tonight until 8am Friday morning.

Explaining the importance of preparing for the freezing temperatures, UE said that water expands by nearly 10 per cent when frozen.

This can cause even brand-new pipes to split, leading to leaks and flooding.

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UE’s head of water operations, Margaret Attridge, elaborated: "We know from previous winters that freezing conditions can cause significant disruption for homes and businesses across the country.

"Our crews are ready to respond, but prevention is always better than cure."

Furthermore, Ms Attridge has advised Kildare residents to not leave taps running, as this will not necessarily prevent pipes from freezing and can in fact impact on their local water supply. 

"We also recommend that people don't run taps continually as this is not an effective way of preventing frozen pipes and can cause other problems such as frozen drains," Ms Attridge added. "It also puts further pressure on water supplies that may already be challenged by the freezing conditions.”

UE's full advice for Kildare residents can be viewed below:

• Insulate exposed pipes and water tanks: "Lagging material helps prevent freezing and heat loss."
• Fix dripping taps: "Even small leaks can freeze and block pipes."
• Service your boiler: "An efficient boiler will keep your home warm and also help to reduce your energy use."
• Locate your stop valve: "Know how to turn off water quickly in an emergency."
• Minimise draughts: "Cold air coming from outside can cause pipes to freeze inside your home."
• Sign up for Uisce Eireann’s free text alert service: "Stay informed about water outages and works in your area by simply visiting water.ie and entering your phone number and address".

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