THE big thaw in Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton has led to a big headache for homeowners as iced up water pipes began to melt this week.

Firefighters have been called out to scores of reports of flooding in homes across the area.

In the early hours of Monday, fire crews were called to The Beacon, where a burst pipe damaged the alarm system, and to Morton Crescent, where water from a flat above affected the electrical system.

The previous night, crews were called out to a property in Cliff Road, Budleigh Salterton, because a burst pipe led to water pouring from a bathroom into the kitchen. Crews were also called to flooding at an Exton home.

After a fortnight of sub-zero temperatures, the rise in temperature has led to problems, resulting in South West Water calling in extra staff to handle a rise in reports of leaking pipes and mains or a loss of water supply and pressure.

Plumbers are working around the clock to repair mains and restore supplies as quickly as possible.

SWW said calls were being prioritised according to the number of people affected, the potential amount of water lost and whether a burst was a danger to traffic and public safety.

Drinking water services manager Mark Baker said: “Last week, frozen pipes were the problem.

“Now, with a thaw, we are beginning to see a steep rise in bursts. We are doing all we can to repair bursts as quickly as possible.

“Customers can help themselves and us by identifying whether the problem is inside their house or not.

“If the leak or burst is on their own pipes, the best thing to do is to call a plumber.

“However, if you and your neighbours are out of water or losing pressure, that could be a sign of a burst or leaking mains pipe and we need to hear about it to start helping you.”

During one busy period on Monday morning, South West Water was dealing with 74 suspected bursts or leaks, and 75 calls from customers reporting no water or low pressure.

To report a burst main or leaking pipe, call South West Water on 0800 1691144.