How to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter

Why Frozen Pipes Are Dangerous

Water expands as it freezes. In a confined pipe, this creates enormous pressure — enough to split copper and plastic pipework. When the pipe thaws, water floods through the split. A burst pipe can cause significant structural damage and invalidate home insurance if basic precautions weren't taken.

Pipes Most at Risk

Pipes most likely to freeze are those in unheated areas: loft spaces, garages, under raised floors, and in external walls. Pipes running on external walls are also at risk, as are outdoor taps and any exposed pipework in outbuildings.

How to Protect Your Pipes

• Insulate exposed pipes with foam lagging sleeves — available from any DIY shop. Pay particular attention to loft pipes and those in unheated garages.
• Keep heating on low when the property is empty during cold snaps. Setting the thermostat to 10–12°C is sufficient to prevent freezing while keeping energy costs low.
• Open loft hatch on very cold nights to allow warm air from the house to circulate around loft pipes.
• Drain outdoor taps for the winter by closing the isolation valve inside and opening the external tap to release remaining water.
• Know where your stopcock is. In an emergency, you need to turn off the water quickly. Check it turns freely now, before you need it.

What to Do If a Pipe Freezes

Never use a blowtorch. Apply gentle heat with a hairdryer, working from the tap end of the pipe back towards the source. Open the nearest tap to allow water to flow as it thaws. If you can't locate the frozen section, or if any pipe has already burst, turn off the stopcock immediately and call us.