BRADFORD-based Yorkshire Water is warning people about the risk of frozen pipes bursting as the wintry weather sets in.

The company said many customers did not realise if a pipe was damaged within the boundary of their property, the costs of repairing would be their responsibility.

Repairing a burst pipe can cost up to £7,500 so Yorkshire Water has joined forces with the Association of British Insurers (ABI) to advise people how to avoid big bills.

They advise protecting exposed pipes with foam insulation, leaving central heating on constantly at a low temperature and turning off the stop tap if a pipe does burst.

Campaigns Assistant at Yorkshire Water Wendy Berriman said: “Snow and ice like that being experienced this week make pipes really vulnerable to bursts.

“We want to get the message out there about the simple steps our customers can take to protect themselves.”