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Preventing frozen pipes

Frozen pipes can swiftly turn a magical winter into a miserable one.

When pipes freeze, the build-up pressure can cause them to burst – potentially resulting in significant water damage to your home and the beginnings of an insurance claim.

To avoid the misery of frozen pipes this winter, take sensible precautions before temperatures drop too low. It’s especially important to put measures in place if you plan to leave your home for any significant length of time.


Here are our top tips in preventing frozen pipes: Check your loft Most houses have pipes and water tanks in the loft. These are particular susceptible to freezing, so make sure that they have adequate insulation around them. All pipes and tanks in these areas require lagging. Pipe lagging should be at least 5cm diameter – thicker still if your loft floor is well-insulated, as this prevents heat from the house rising into the loft and warming the pipes naturally.

Don’t insulate underneath your tank Pipes should be insulated all the way round, but it’s essential you don’t insulate the underneath of your tank. Warm air from the room below helps to keep the tank heated, so insulate only the sides and the top to prevent that heat from escaping. Fix that tap Repair any dripping taps before icy temperatures set in. If you don’t get round to it, and the water freezes, it will block the pipe. Also, make sure you know where your water mains stop valve is located – and that you can turn it off and on.

Keep your heating on If you leave your home unoccupied for a short while, leave your heating on its usual setting (or just a few degrees lower) while you are away. It’s also advisable to leave your loft door open in your absence, as this allows heat to circulate around your tank and pipes.

In the event of a freeze If, despite your best efforts, your pipes freeze, turn off your water at the mains as a precaution. Also turn the stop-cock on the water tank in the loft, if you have one. You can then proceed to thaw the pipes yourself, or call on the expertise of a plumber. To thaw the pipes yourself, use gentle heat from a hairdryer or hot-water bottle and work your way from tap to tank. Open the tap nearest the frozen section of pipe to see when the ice has melted. You’ll need to prepare for any water that may leak from burst pipes, primarily by covering any electrics that are nearby.


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