FROM 9PM TOMORROW, all of Ireland will come under Status Yellow low temperature and ice warning.

The alert will remain in place until 10am on Saturday morning and temperatures will fall to -1 to -3 degrees.

Ahead of this weather warning, Uisce Éireann has reminded households to take a “few simple steps” to protect their homes during the cold snap and to avoid a disrupted water supply and potentially expensive repairs.

Uisce Éireann explained that a sudden drop in temperature can cause pipes to freeze and burst, especially following periods of heavy rainfall which may have left the ground unstable, or caused damage to pipework inside and outside the house.

Some of the tips offered by Uisce Éireann includes insulating exposed pipes and tanks in attics, under sinks and in unheated spaces.

It has also advised people to fix dripping taps and small leaks early to prevent them freezing and blocking pipes.

People should also avoid leaving taps running, as this doesn’t prevent freezing and can make problems worse.

Homeowners should also be aware of where their stop valve is, so that water can be turned off quickly if needed.

People should also keep cold draughts out by sealing gaps around windows, doors and pipe entry points.

Further guidance can be found at www.water.ie/winterproofing.

Margaret Attridge, Head of Water Operations at Uisce Éireann, meanwhile encouraged anyone who spots a leak on a public road to contact Uisce Éireann so that it can investigate and carry out any repairs needed as quickly as possible.

Leaks can be reported directly to Uisce Éireann’s customer care team at 1800 278 278 or via its website.