Water meters get cold too
Water meters, stop taps and pipes above the ground can be affected by the cold. Particularly when temperatures fall below zero.
When exposed to very cold temperatures, the water held inside them can freeze and expand. This means your property may be without water.
What can I do if my meter freezes?
Ideally you should wait for frozen meters and pipes to thaw naturally as the sun comes up and the temperature rises. This reduces the risk of the meter or pipes being damaged.
If you can’t wait, pour lukewarm water left over from your kettle onto them. Remember that it may take a while to shift the frost. Never use boiling or hot water. This increases the chance of the pipes splitting and causing major damage.
How can I prevent this happening?
There are a few easy things you can do to prepare for freezing nights:
- Cover your water meter with an item that traps the air around it. An upturned bucket, plastic tub or cardboard box, a hessian bag or an old tyre are all good options. Make sure the cover can be easily removed for meter reading and maintenance.
- Any above-ground pipes may also be vulnerable to the cold. Your local hardware store will be able to provide some options to help insulate your pipes.
- Make sure your kettle is full or that you have some spare water available before you go to bed.
What do I do if my pipes are damaged after a cold night?
If there is a leak or issue with your water meter, call us on 1300 926 666. We’ll send a team member out to repair the problem or arrange a free replacement if the meter is damaged.
If the problem is on your side of the water meter, you’ll need to contact a licensed plumber to arrange for it to be repaired.
In an emergency, you can stop the flow of water to your house by turning off the stop tap at your water meter. If you have trouble stopping the flow, then call us for help.
