LEANNE Wood AM is supporting D?r Cymru Welsh Water’s ‘Wrap Up Wales’ campaign to prevent burst water pipes and repairs costing thousands of pounds.

The initiative urges Barry households to check water pipes in their home are protected to avoid the disruption and expense frozen pipes cause.

D?r Cymru is calling on householders to take a few simple steps to avoid this problem.

The problem is usually linked to pipes exposed to very low temperatures, such as those in garages and outhouses. These expand when it freezes; causing a burst when they thaw and a repair is urgently needed.

Research conducted by Consumer Council for Wales found only 46 per cent of customers took steps to avoid frozen pipes, with people aged 24 to 35 most at risk of not properly preparing.

Problems with pipes in homes are the responsibility of the home owner or landlord so check they’re insulated and all advice relates to properties left empty over the winter period.

Ms Wood said: “I’d like to remind people living in Barry to take some steps to make sure they don’t get caught out by pipes freezing in their homes or businesses this winter.

“Frozen pipes which burst can cause unnecessary inconvenience and expense, which is the last thing anyone wants - particularly at Christmas time. The risk of freezing pipes can be mitigated by taking a few moments to check and protect the pipes.”

Welsh Water’s chief operating officer Peter Perry said: “If you’re planning to visit family or friends and your home will be empty over the winter you need to be sure that exposed water pipes are wrapped in insulation to protect them. Otherwise they could burst and you won’t know until you return home.

“If you are unfortunate enough to experience frozen pipes then make sure you don’t leave taps open and unattended. As the pipes thaw, the water will likely start to flow. This could lead to baths and sinks overflowing if you are not around.

“Our message is help us Wrap up Wales and take action now to prevent a problem that can cause a tremendous amount of inconvenience and expense – at the time of the year when you’d least want to face it.”

“More information on how to prevent pipes freezing can be found on the company’s website www.dwrcymru.com. There is also an opportunity to apply for one of the 1,000 free lagging kits we are giving away.”