Frozen and burst pipes are one of the most common yet disruptive plumbing emergencies that crop up in the cold UK winters. A frozen pipe can stop your water supply completely, and if it bursts, it can cause serious damage in a matter of minutes. And both often happen overnight or when you’re away from home.
Fortunately, most frozen pipe problems are preventable. And if you know what to look for, you can often deal with it before it turns into something serious. Here’s what you need to know, what to do if it happens, and how to reduce the risk during cold snaps.
How and why do pipes freeze and burst?
Water expands when it freezes. If water inside a pipe freezes solid, that expansion puts pressure on the pipe walls. Copper and plastic pipes can only take so much stress before they split or crack.
It’s rarely the frozen section itself that bursts. In fact, pipes tend to fail just behind the ice blockage, where pressure builds up as water continues to flow. Once the ice thaws, water escapes quickly, and that’s when the flooding starts.
Pipes in your home are most at risk when:
- Temperatures drop below freezing for extended periods
- Heating is turned off or set very low
- Pipes run through unheated or exposed areas
Where do pipes most commonly freeze in UK homes?
Some areas of the home are more vulnerable than others.
- Outside taps and garden lines are usually the first to freeze, being the most exposed to the elements.
- Lofts are cold by nature. Pipework near roof insulation, especially around cold water tanks, is a common problem area.
- Any pipe running through a space without heating is at risk, including garages, outbuildings, and external walls.
- Under sinks and inside cupboards: Pipes under sinks and inside cupboards, which are on external walls, often freeze when cupboard doors are kept shut, trapping the cold air in.
How do I know if my pipes are frozen?
Frozen pipes can be seen as the early warning sign of a possible burst, so it’s important to catch them.
You might notice:
- No water, or very low pressure from one tap
- Hot water working, but not cold, or vice versa
- Frost on pipework
- A bulging or misshapen pipe
- Strange smells from drains or taps
If the whole house has no water, the frozen section is probably near where the water enters the property, which might be the loft, garage, or near your stop tap.
What do I do if my pipe is frozen?
If you suspect a pipe is frozen, don’t panic. Rushing or using the wrong heat source can cause more damage. Follow these steps, and for visual guidance, see this video by Worcester Bosch.
Step 1: Let warm air reach the area
Turn the heating on and open cupboard doors near the affected pipes to help raise the temperature gradually.
Step 2: Locate the frozen section
Check exposed pipework for frost or cold spots. Failing that, use the temperature of the pipe as a guide.
Step 3: Thaw the pipe safely
It is very important that you use gentle, indirect heat to thaw a pipe. Start from the end closest to the tap and work back towards the frozen section. Do not use naked flames, blowtorches or boiling water (including in a hot water bottle. These can damage pipes or create a fire risk. Some good heat sources are hot water bottles (filled with hot but not boiling water), warm towels, and heat packs.
If water flow starts again, leave the tap running slightly until it’s fully thawed, to get water running back through and to reduce pressure.
What do I do if I have a burst pipe?
A burst pipe needs immediate action.
Step 1: Stop the water supply
Turn off the water stop tap straight away. If you’re not sure where it is, now’s the time to find out. They are often under the kitchen sink or in a garage or utility room.
Step 2: Drain the system
Open all your taps to drain the system and reduce pressure.
Step 3: Think about electrical safety
If water is near sockets, appliances or your boiler, turn off electricity at the consumer unit.
Step 4: Contain the water
Use buckets, towels or bowls to limit the water
When should I call a plumber?
If a pipe has burst, or you can’t safely thaw it yourself, call a qualified plumber straight away. DHS’s experienced team is always on hand, and with over 40 years’ experience supporting homes across Bristol, we can quickly assess the issue and carry out safe, reliable repairs when you need them most. Get in touch to arrange a visit.
How do I stop pipes freezing during cold weather?
When temperatures drop, a taking a few easy precautions can greatly reduce the risk of frozen pipes. Prevention is much less disruptive than dealing with pipe bursts.
One of the most effective steps is insulating exposed pipework. Foam pipe lagging is inexpensive, easy to fit, and particularly important in lofts, garages, and around outside taps, where temperatures fall fastest.
If you’re going away during winter, rather than turning off your heating entirely, maintain a low, steady temperature, or if your heating has it, a frost protection mode. This keeps water moving through the system at a warm temperature.
It’s also worth knowing exactly where your stop tap is and checking that it turns easily. In an emergency, being able to shut off the water quickly can prevent serious damage.
FAQs
How long does it take frozen pipes to thaw?
It can take anything from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the temperature and pipe location.
Can I use a hairdryer to thaw pipes?
Yes, as long as you keep it moving, and have it on a low setting. Never concentrate the heat in one spot.
What if only my hot water isn’t working?
This may point to a frozen condensate pipe or hot water supply pipe. A heating engineer can diagnose this safely. If you want this looked at, our team can help with all manner of heating services.
Should I leave a tap dripping overnight?
In very cold weather, a slow drip can help prevent freezing, especially on pipes that are vulnerable to the cold.
To wrap up…
Nobody wants to deal with a frozen or burst pipe, but if you stay calm and take action quickly, you can limit damage and keep your home safe. Hopefully this blog has equipped you with the knowledge you need to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
If you’re dealing with frozen pipework, water loss, or a suspected burst, our qualified local engineers are here to help. We’ve been supporting homes across Bristol, Bath and North Somerset for over 40 years and have hundreds of happy reviews under our belt. Give us a call at 0117 924 7200, or read more about our plumbing services here.
