WATER giant United Utilities has chosen DIY expert and former Big Brother winner Craig Phillips to help urge customers to take care of their pipes this winter.

Craig features in a new video demonstrating how easy and low-cost it is to insulate water pipes compared to the damage and hassle caused by frozen and burst pipes during the festive season.

The water company is also running a series of new TV adverts featuring ‘one job Rob’ and ‘one thing to do Sue’ who have forgotten to lag their water pipes and have their Christmas ruined by water pouring through their ceiling.

Rose Francis from United Utilities said: “Sadly the stories of Rob and Sue will be a reality for many people this winter.

"These adverts aim to highlight how by not doing that one job of insulating water pipes they now have a huge list of jobs to do like having to repaint, re-carpet, re-plaster and so much more.

“We know everyone has a lot to do at this time of year but if there's one job we'd recommend as the weather gets colder, it would be to insulate your water pipes. This will protect them from freezing, bursting and flooding your home.

“Our customers contact us every year with his problem – they may have no water due to frozen pipes or burst pipes. "Unfortunately, there is little we can do to help as these pipes belong to them.”

Rob and Sue’s cautionary tales will be on ITV during December and into January and on radio stations across the north west during December.

The campaign not only shows what can happen when a water pipe bursts, but also offers advice on how to prevent the problem from happening in the first place.

How to stop your pipes from bursting in the winter

Insulating water pipes protects them from freezing.

When water freezes it expands and can split pipes, which then leak when the water thaws.

If that happens inside your house it can cause terrible problems.

Rose added: “Wrap your pipes with lagging and pay particular attention to the pipes in the garage, loft, or those outside your home, as these are the ones most likely to freeze when the temperature drops.

“Your local DIY store should have everything you need and don’t forget to use waterproof lagging for outdoor pipes.

"Pipe lagging is cheap and easy to fit so you can be ready for winter in no time.”

Visit the Warrington Guardian website to see Craig's video with other tips.