AN EXPECTED drop in temperatures over the weekend has promoted officials to urge homeowners across Teignbridge to be alert.

Bitter temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and then thaw which poses a problem to residents’ own pipe-work and main networks.

South West Water’s customer services director, Jo Ecroyd, said: ‘Customers can help themselves and us by identifying whether the problem is inside their house or not.

‘If the leak or burst is on their own pipes, the best thing to do is call a plumber.

‘However if you and your neighbours are out of water or losing pressure, that could be a sign of a burst or leaking mains pipe and we need to hear about it to start helping you.’

Chiefs at the water company are also asking customers to check that their garden taps are turned off and are not using water.

To report a burst main or leaking pipe outside the property contact South West Water on 0344 346 2020.

For more cold weather advice visit www.southwestwater.co.uk/getreadyforwinter.