Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis may be known for dishing out finance tips, banking advice and car insurance hacks, but his commitment to keeping Brits safe doesn't stop there.
Now the money journalist has issued an important message to all homeowners and flat renters as the winter months draw in, and it could save you a lot of hassle before temperatures hit freezing.
Posting on Twitter, Martin asked: "Do you know where your stopcock is? Find it before it bursts and leaks from frozen pipes."
He added: "You should all know where it is and if you don't, I need you to find it."
According to Liverpool Echo, a stopcock is the control tap for your mains water as it flows in from the supply on your street.
Most people actually have two stopcocks - one inside the building and the other outside. They are commonly found under the kitchen sink, in the bathroom, in a cupboard under the stairs or by the gas meter, according to insurers Direct Line.
The average cost to repair a burst pipe in the home is £6,500 to £7,500 and Yorkshire Water has previously advised that any pipes within the boundary of your home are your responsibility to fix.
David Stevenson, Head of Water Distribution at Yorkshire Water, said: “Icy and freezing weather like that currently being experienced make customers household pipes really vulnerable to cracks and bursts.
“Not only are these expensive to resolve but also incredibly upsetting – causing significant damage to people’s homes.
“That’s why we really want to get the message out there about the simple steps people can take, such as ensuring loft pipes and tanks are insulated, to protect themselves over the winter and what to do if a burst pipe happens in the home.”
