Most of the region was greeted with a white landscape this morning as the temperature dipped below zero.
Executive General Manager Customer and Stakeholder, Lauren McLean, said with these winter mornings becoming increasingly colder, it’s a good time to remind customers to take preventative action and cover their water meters and exposed pipes to protect them from freezing.
“On Tuesday morning our Customer Contact Centre phones lit up with calls as people wondered why their water wasn’t flowing. With water meters above the ground, they are exposed to the elements and have an increased risk of becoming frozen,” said Ms McLean.
As we head towards the shortest day of the year, the Bureau of Meteorology has predicted the chilly mornings will continue for the rest of the week.
“Customers might find frozen water meters are an ongoing problem this week. Most of the region now have digital meters, and these were fitted with a cover at the time of installation. The covers that have been installed on digital loggers do not interfere with the signal and should not be tampered with.
“For those who don’t yet have a digital meter, you can do your part preventing your water meters becoming frozen by covering them with an upturned bucket, cardboard box or even an old tyre - as long as it can be removed for meter reading and maintenance.”
While pouring water over your meter may start the unfreezing process, it can also cause a split or burst. Boiling or hot water should be avoided - lukewarm water is ideal.
“If your water meter or pipe does freeze the best solution is to wait for the temperature to rise and for the meter to naturally unfreeze,” she said.
Customers are also encouraged to cover any exposed pipes to prevent them from splitting or bursting.
“If customers do experience a burst pipe on their property, it is important to turn off the water supply at the stop tap located at the water meter and arrange for a licensed plumber to repair the pipe.”
If anyone is experiencing disruption to their water service due to a split water meter as a result of frost contact our Customer Support Team on 1300 363 200.
Last updated on 19 Jun 2024