How to Prevent Frozen Pipes During Winter
Frozen pipes can split and flood your home. Learn how to protect your plumbing before the cold hits and what to do if a pipe freezes.
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When water freezes inside a pipe it expands, and that pressure can split the pipe or a joint. The damage is often only noticed when the ice thaws and water pours out. A little preparation before the cold weather arrives can save you from a costly flood.
- Insulate pipes and tanks in the loft, garage and outbuildings.
- Keep the heating on low when it is very cold or you are away.
- Know where your stopcock is and fix dripping taps.
- If a pipe freezes, turn off the water and thaw it gently.
Where pipes freeze most often
How to protect your pipes before winter
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Insulate pipes and tanks
Fit foam pipe lagging to exposed pipes in the loft, garage, basement and anywhere else that gets cold. Insulate your cold water tank as well. Pre-slit foam tubes are cheap and simple to fit.
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Keep your heating on low
During very cold weather, or if you go away, set the heating to come on regularly at a low temperature rather than switching it off completely. This keeps the house, and the pipes, above freezing.
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Seal draughts and gaps
Block gaps around pipes where they pass through walls and floors, and fix draughty doors, airbricks and loft hatches. Cold air blowing onto a pipe can freeze it quickly.
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Protect outside taps and hoses
Disconnect and drain garden hoses, and fit an insulated cover to outside taps. Turn off the indoor valve that supplies the outside tap if there is one.
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Know where your stopcock is
If a pipe does burst, you need to stop the water fast. Make sure everyone in the house knows where the stopcock is, and check it turns freely. Fix any dripping taps or leaks, because a dripping pipe is more likely to freeze.
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Check your boiler
Have your boiler serviced before winter and check the condensate pipe is insulated or sheltered. Our guide on what to do when your boiler stops working explains what to look for.
If you are going away
- Leave the heating on low, set to a temperature that keeps the house above freezing.
- Ask a neighbour or friend to check the property.
- For a long absence, consider turning off the water at the stopcock and draining the system, but ask a plumber first.
Signs that a pipe has frozen
- No water, or only a trickle, from a tap.
- Frost visible on the outside of a pipe.
- A boiler that has shut down and shows a fault code.
- Strange noises, or bulging in a pipe.
What to do if a pipe freezes
Never use a naked flame or blowtorch. Turn off the water at the stopcock, open the tap nearest the frozen pipe, and thaw the pipe gently with a hot water bottle, a heat pad or a hairdryer on a low setting, working from the tap end back towards the freeze. Once it has thawed, check carefully for splits and leaks.
If a pipe has burst, follow our guide on what to do if a pipe bursts and call a plumber. For a full checklist, see What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency.
Frequently asked questions
At what temperature do pipes freeze?
Pipes can freeze when temperatures stay below 0°C for long enough, especially if they are exposed, uninsulated or in a draught. Cold snaps after a mild spell can catch people out.
Should I leave my taps dripping in cold weather?
This is sometimes suggested, but it wastes water and is not a reliable fix. Insulation and keeping the heating on low are better.
Should I call a plumber for a frozen pipe?
If you can safely thaw it and find no leaks, you may not need to. If the pipe has split, you cannot reach it or you are unsure, call a plumber. See our rates for emergency call-outs.
Related guides
What to Do in a Plumbing Emergency: A Homeowner's Guide
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7 Common Signs You Need an Emergency Plumber
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What to Do If a Pipe Bursts in Your Home
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