Affinity Water has warned that a “Great Thaw” could flood numerous homes this weekend if people don’t take pre-emptive action.

A sudden temperature rise forecast for Sunday and Monday is set to wreak havoc across the county as exposed pipes in lofts and gardens expand and potentially burst.

When asked how serious Affinity Water thought it could be, a spokesperson told the Watford Observer “really bad”, with leaks in potentially hundreds of homes.

They added that leaks are already up 200% in the last two days and that is before temperatures have significantly increased. It is forecast to be 6C on Sunday, before shooting up to 12C on Monday, according to the Met Office.

There are particular fears for people who have used minimal heating due to the cost-of-living crisis – making their pipes more prone to expensive bursts. Properties left empty for Christmas getaways could also be vulnerable.

Key advice includes ensuring pipes are well insulated with pipe lagging as soon as possible. Also, knowing where the property stopcock is, which is the control for mains water, will enable people to quickly cut off water if a burst occurs.

The Affinity spokesperson told the Watford Observer contingency plans are being prepared, with emergency teams on standby to deliver bottles of water if necessary.

The warning has been issued today (December 15) in a joint statement by Anglian Water and Affinity Water.

Anglian’s head of water supply, Jim Foster, said: “Taking simple measures to protect your home from the risk of frozen and burst pipes not only helps the environment by saving precious water, but crucially, as the cost-of-living is particularly tough this year, will help save customers a lot of money too.  Cheap prevention is definitely better than costly repairs when it comes to bursts and leaks”.   

Fiona Wilson, Affinity’s external communications manager, added: “While people are aware of the damage freezing temperatures can do, they may not realise that when the thaw sets in and temperatures rise it is even more likely to cause damage to pipes in a home causing water to stream from burst pipes in the loft, flooding rooms below.”

More information is available on the water companies' websites.