Households in south-west England are being urged to tag their stop tap this winter as part of the Met Office’s WeatherReady campaign.

As households up and down the country are getting ready for Christmas, they are being encouraged to write the details of a WaterSafe-approved emergency plumber on a spare Christmas gift tag and attach it to their property’s stop tap.

Knowing where your stop tap is and how to turn your water supplies off could help prevent flooding and damage if a pipe freezes or bursts and having the number of a qualified and insured plumber to hand could save the day in an emergency.

Only half of households in the region currently know how to find and use their stop tap to turn the water off in case of a burst pipe, according to research by the national register of approved plumbers WaterSafe. It’s often found under the kitchen sink, but could also be in a kitchen cupboard, bathroom, or garage.

Julie Spinks, Director at WaterSafe, said: “Our research shows that not only do only half of residents in the south west know how to find and use their stop tap, but eight per cent of residents have had a burst pipe in the past, so it’s a real risk in wintry weather.

“Pipes freezing and bursting can cause extensive damage to homes and businesses, but taking simple steps such as knowing where your stop tap is can limit any damage.

“Writing the details of a local WaterSafe-approved plumber on a gift tag and attaching it to the stop tap means people will be able to isolate their water supply and know who to contact should they experience a problem with their property’s plumbing.

“We’d also encourage people to insulate outside pipes and taps, as well as any pipes in unheated areas of the home such as the loft.”

Met Office Head of Warnings Chris Walsh said: “Winters in the UK usually include a wide variety of weather and this winter looks likely to be no exception.  

“To keep on top of the weather conditions it’s important to stay up to date with the forecast and National Severe Weather Warnings in your area.

“There are simple and cost-effective things everyone can do to prepare for any severe winter weather. Including plenty of useful and creative weather hacks out there that can help people to avoid disruption and make the most of winter weather.”

For further advice on winter-proofing your plumbing, or to find an approved plumber, visit www.watersafe.org.uk/winter.