A frozen pipe on its own is an inconvenience. A frozen pipe that bursts is a genuinely expensive repair, and the difference between the two often comes down to a few basic precautions taken before the temperature drops, not after.
Why Pipes Freeze in the First Place
Water expands as it freezes, and pipes in unheated or poorly insulated spaces, lofts, garages, and exterior walls are most at risk. The pipe doesn’t need to be outside the house to freeze. It just needs to be somewhere the ambient temperature drops low enough for long enough.
Insulation Is the Cheapest Fix Available
Foam pipe lagging costs very little and takes an afternoon to fit around exposed pipework in a loft or garage. It’s the single most effective preventative step, and it’s one most people only think about after a pipe has already burst once.
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What to Do During a Genuine Cold Snap
Leaving your heating on low overnight, rather than switching it off completely, keeps enough warmth circulating to protect vulnerable pipework. If you’re away from the house during a cold spell, ask someone to check in, or leave the heating on a low constant setting rather than off.
If a Pipe Has Already Frozen
Turn off the water supply at the stopcock before it thaws, not after. A frozen pipe that’s already cracked won’t leak until it thaws, and thawing it without the supply off means the leak starts the moment the ice clears, often when nobody’s watching.
If you’re dealing with a frozen or burst pipe, or want your vulnerable pipework insulated before the next cold snap, get in touch and we’ll help.
