NI property owners are being advised to protect internal water pipes and fittings to prevent them from bursting.

NI Water is reminding owners to 'Beat the Freeze' as the winter weather begins.

In a statement NI Water said: "There are simple procedures the general public can carry out in order to 'Beat the Freeze'. These include knowing where your stop-valve is and keeping the contact number of a registered plumber on hand to deal with any bursts on your property.

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"The devastation caused by burst pipes cannot be underestimated. Not only can the water cause structural damage to a property, but the lasting damage in a home can be to personal items, including photographs and electrical equipment such as tablets, iPads and laptops, that may be irreplaceable.

"On a wider scale, if you imagine the impact of thousands of litres of water pouring out of burst water pipes, any water distribution network would struggle to maintain continuity of supply in those circumstances. Insulating your pipework is an essential action to protect your water supply and that of your neighbours."

(CD/MH)