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The Big Freeze: Top Tips To Prevent Freezing Pipes

11th January 2019

We all knew that we would have to pay for our record-breaking summer weather and, if Met Office reports are right, the pay-off will be freezing temperatures in January. To date, temperatures have been relatively mild, which can lead to complacency. Don’t get caught out: take a look at our top tips to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting when the cold weather rolls in.

Keep your heating lower, for longer

Switching your heating off for most of the time and just switching it on for short blasts can be a false economy for several reasons. It takes more energy to get the temperature up and can lead to condensation problems. Crucially, failing to have your heating on when the temperature drops to freezing can result in frozen pipes. If you are going away during the winter, or you have an empty let or holiday home, set the timer for the heating to be on low for longer periods of time.

Switch your tap to drip

Burst pipes occur because water expands when it freezes. We have spent the last year telling you that you could save water and money by fixing costly drips but leaving your tap to drip will keep water moving through your pipes and will help to prevent them from bursting if they do freeze. If freezing weather is predicted or if you are going away during the winter, leave a tap dripping just in case.

Insulate

The best way to prevent your pipes from bursting is to prevent them from freezing in the first place. Lagging, foam rubber insulation and heating tape a re all good ways of insulating your water pipes and protecting them from the elements. Pay particular attention to pipes that are more exposed to the cold, for example, external pipes or pipes in cold attics.

If your pipes freeze it’s not the end of the world; provided you act quickly, it could just be a small inconvenience. First, turn your water off at the stop cock. Then turn the cold taps on, to release water when it defrosts. You could try manually defrosting the pipes using a hot water bottle or hairdryer. Start at the tap end and work your way backwards. Once you think that your pipes have defrosted, take a dry cloth or kitchen towel and run it the length of the pipe. If the cloth stays dry, you should be safe to switch the water back on. If it is wet, your pipe may have split; call a local plumber before you do anything else.

If you think that your pipes might be frozen and you are not confident fixing it yourself, don’t worry; most local plumbers have a 24 hour call out service and will be happy to help you.

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Looking for more plumbing advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common plumbing questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

What should I do if I have a blocked drain or sink?

Start with a plunger - create a good seal and use firm, steady pressure. For a kitchen sink blocked with grease, bicarbonate of soda followed by vinegar can help. If that's not shifting it, a drain snake reaches further down the pipe. Go easy on chemical drain cleaners as they can damage older pipes and rarely sort the root cause. If the blockage keeps coming back, affects more than one outlet, or you're getting unpleasant smells, call a plumber rather than trying to patch up the problem.
How can I tell if I have a hidden water leak?

The most obvious clue is a water bill that's gone up without any change in your usage. Beyond that, listen out for running water when everything's turned off, and watch for damp patches on walls or ceilings nowhere near an obvious water source. A quick self-test is to turn everything off and watch your water meter - if it's still moving, there's a leak somewhere. Tracking down exactly where it is usually needs a specialist detection kit, which a plumber can bring in without having to rip everything up.
What should I do if I have a burst pipe?

Turn off your stopcock straight away - you'll usually find it under the kitchen sink or where the mains water enters the property. Once it's off, open your taps to drain what's left in the system, switch off the boiler if you can do so safely, and mop up any standing water before it reaches electrics or flooring. Then call a plumber. With burst pipes, the faster you act, the less damage you'll be faced with.
What is a gas safety certificate and do I need one?

A Gas Safety Record is issued by a Gas Safe registered engineer after checking that all your gas appliances, flues, and pipework are safe. Landlords in England, Scotland, and Wales are legally required to get one every year and give tenants a copy within 28 days. For homeowners it's not a legal requirement, but getting a check done alongside your annual boiler service is a smart idea, particularly in older properties. Only a Gas Safe registered engineer can carry out the work or issue the certificate - you can check anyone's registration on the Gas Safe Register website.
Why is my water pressure low and can a plumber fix it?

Low pressure usually comes down to one of a handful of things: a stop valve that's not fully open, limescale build-up in older pipes, a failing pressure-reducing valve, or an issue with your water provider's mains supply. In most cases a plumber can sort it - though if the problem is with the mains itself, you'll need to contact your water company first. Either way, don't just live with it - ongoing low pressure can sometimes point to something more serious.
How do I know if my boiler needs replacing or just repairing?

If it's under ten years old and it's one specific fault, a repair usually makes sense. If it's over fifteen, has needed multiple fixes recently, is making strange noises, or your energy bills have crept up for no obvious reason - replacement is probably the better investment. A useful rule of thumb: if the repair would cost more than half the price of a new boiler, it's probably time to replace it.
How often should I get my plumbing inspected?

There's no legal requirement for homeowners, but every two to three years is a sensible habit - especially in older properties or hard water areas where limescale builds up over time. Your annual boiler service covers some of the associated pipework too. And if anything seems off between inspections - odd noises, discoloured water, unexplained damp - don't wait. Get it looked at sooner.
Why do my pipes make a banging or knocking noise?

That banging sound (sometimes called water hammer) usually happens when water flow is suddenly stopped or redirected, sending a pressure wave through the pipes. It's most common after flushing the toilet, shutting a tap sharply, or when a washing machine valve closes. Pipes that aren't properly secured can also knock against walls or joists. It sounds alarming but it's often an easy fix - a plumber can figure out whether it's a pressure issue, a faulty valve, or just some loose pipework.

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