Frozen pipes are a homeowner’s nightmare, especially during the cold UK winters. Pipes are liable to burst, potentially causing significant damage to your property, as well as the huge inconvenience of being without water. But before you panic, there are steps you can take to address the issue. This guide will walk you through what to do if you experience frozen pipes in your home, how to fix them, and ways to prevent the problem from occurring again in the future. And remember, if you’re ever in doubt or can’t resolve the issue, PM247’s professional plumbers are available 24/7 to help.
Recognising Frozen Pipes
Before jumping into any solutions, it’s crucial to identify the signs of frozen pipes. The most obvious sign is when you turn on your tap and only a trickle of water, or none at all, comes out. Other signs may include:
- Frost on the outside of exposed pipes.
- Strange smells coming from drains (this can happen if water has frozen inside the pipes, causing a blockage).
- Visible cracks in the pipes due to expanding ice.
If any of these occur, it’s time to act fast.
What to Do if Your Pipes Are Frozen
1) Turn Off the Water Supply
The first thing you should do is turn off the main water supply. This reduces the risk of water rushing through the pipes once the ice melts, potentially causing a burst. In most UK homes, the main stopcock is located under the kitchen sink or where the water supply enters the house.
2) Open Your Taps
Next, open your taps to allow any water that can escape to flow out. This helps to relieve the pressure that builds up in frozen pipes and reduces the risk of bursting.
3) Locate the Frozen Pipe
If possible, locate the section of the pipe that is frozen. This is usually in areas that are more exposed to cold air, such as loft spaces, garages, or exterior walls. You may notice frost on the pipe or feel that it’s colder than other sections.
4) Gently Thaw the Pipe
Now that you’ve identified the frozen pipe, the goal is to thaw it out slowly and safely. Avoid using any open flames, like blowtorches or lighters, as this can damage the pipe and potentially start a fire. Instead, try these safer methods:
- Hairdryers: Start by warming the pipe nearest to the tap and work your way back toward the frozen section. Keep the dryer moving along the pipe to distribute the heat evenly.
- Using Towels: Soak towels in hot water and wrap them around the frozen pipe, careful when you handle them they will be hot. This can take longer but is an effective and gentle method.
- Heating Pads: If you have a heating pad or electric blanket, wrap it around the frozen pipe. This provides a steady heat source without the risk of overheating the pipe.
5) Check for Leaks
As the ice begins to thaw, keep an eye out for any leaks in the pipe. If a crack has already formed, you’ll see water dripping out once the ice melts. If you spot any leaks, you’ll need to shut off the water immediately and call a plumber.
How to Fix a Burst Pipe
In the worst-case scenario, your frozen pipe may have burst. This happens because water expands when it freezes, putting pressure on the pipe and causing it to crack, enough to break and crack plastic or metal pipes. Here’s what to do if this occurs:
1) Turn Off the Water Supply: The most urgent step to prevent further water from flooding your home.
2) Drain the System: Open all your taps to drain the water remaining in the system. Flush toilets to release any water in the pipes.
3) Contain the Water: If water is already leaking, use towels, buckets, or anything you have on hand to contain the flow. Try to prevent the water from spreading to other areas of your home.
4) Call a Professional Plumber: Fixing a burst pipe is no DIY job. At PM247, our team of qualified plumbers can respond quickly and efficiently to fix burst pipes, minimising damage to your home.
Preventing Frozen Pipes in the Future
Now that you know how to address frozen pipes, let’s focus on how to stop them from freezing in the first place. Prevention is key, especially in the cold UK winters.
1) Insulate Your Pipes
One of the most effective ways to prevent pipes from freezing is to insulate them, particularly those in unheated or exposed areas like lofts, garages, and basements. Pipe lagging (insulation material for pipes) is affordable and easy to install. Simply wrap it around your pipes to keep them warmer during cold snaps.
2) Keep Your Heating On
During particularly cold spells, it’s important to keep your heating on, even if you’re away from home. Set your thermostat to maintain a temperature of at least 12 degrees Celsius. This helps to keep the air warm enough to prevent pipes from freezing.
3) Open Sink Unit Doors
Pipes under sinks or in enclosed areas are more prone to freezing as the cold air gets trapped. To help prevent this, open the unit doors under the sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
4) Seal Gaps
Check around doors, windows, and any other openings for gaps where cold air could enter your home and reach the pipes. Seal these gaps to keep the cold out.
5) Keep Water Moving
Letting a small trickle of water run through your taps during extremely cold weather can help prevent freezing. Moving water is less likely to freeze than static water. You don’t need to leave the tap fully open, just enough to keep the water flowing.
6) Install Frost Protection Devices
If the issue is recurring, consider installing frost protection thermostats or heating cables on vulnerable pipes. Automatically activating when the temperature drops and ensuring your pipes stay warm enough to avoid freezing.
When to Call a Professional
While many homeowners can handle thawing a frozen pipe, it’s important to know when to call in the professionals. If you’re unable to locate the frozen section, the pipe bursts, or you’re simply not comfortable addressing the issue yourself, PM247 is here to help. Our experienced plumbers provide fast, reliable service across the UK, so you don’t have to tackle the problem alone.
At PM247, we recommend acting quickly when you suspect frozen pipes, as the longer they remain frozen, the higher the risk of a burst. With our team on hand, you can avoid the stress and damage caused by frozen or burst pipes. Whether it’s an emergency repair or preventive advice, our plumbers are available 24/7 to assist with any plumbing needs.
Final Thoughts on Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes can cause major headaches, but with the right steps and precautions, you can minimise the risk and damage to your home.
The key is acting quickly and knowing when to call in professionals. At PM247, we understand how crucial it is to keep your plumbing in top condition, especially during the colder months, so if your pipes are frozen call us straight away.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help with frozen pipes or any other plumbing issues. Or call PM247 on 0808 258 0440 for urgent enquiries.