Protecting Your Pipes from Freezing
Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter callouts, and most cases are preventable with a bit of planning before the cold snap arrives rather than after a pipe has already split..
Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter callouts, and most cases are preventable with a bit of planning before the cold snap arrives rather than after a pipe has already split.
Where pipes are most at risk
Lofts, garages, external walls and under-floor voids are the usual cold spots where pipework runs without much protection.
What actually helps
Pipe insulation on exposed runs, keeping the loft hatch closed to retain warmth below, and leaving heating on a low background setting during a cold snap rather than off.
If you're away in winter
Leaving the heating on a frost-protect setting, or asking someone to check the property, reduces the risk of a burst going unnoticed for days.
Simple steps before a cold snap
- Insulate exposed pipes in the loft and garage
- Fix any dripping outdoor taps, which freeze fastest
- Know where your stopcock is and that it turns
- Keep the heating on low rather than off when away
Who does the work
- Gas Safe registered engineers — registration 554328
- Worcester Bosch accredited installer
- John The Plumb Ltd, company registration 10026483
Worried about a frozen or burst pipe?
If you've got no water or a leak after a cold snap, turn off your stopcock and get in touch straight away.
Questions we get asked
Can I thaw a frozen pipe myself?
Gently, with a hairdryer or warm cloths on an accessible pipe, working from the tap end inward; never use a naked flame.
How do I know if a pipe has already split?
A frozen pipe that thaws and then leaks or sprays water has usually already cracked from the ice expansion.
Does leaving a tap dripping help?
It can relieve some pressure in an at-risk pipe, but proper insulation matters more.