When temperatures drop below freezing, one of the biggest risks to your home is a frozen pipe. It might not sound dramatic, but a burst pipe can cause serious water damage in a matter of minutes; soaking floors, ceilings and walls, and leaving you with a costly and disruptive clean-up.
The good news is that frozen and burst pipes are largely preventable with a bit of forward planning. Here's how to protect your home before the cold weather sets in, and what to do if a pipe does freeze.
Why do pipes freeze and burst? When water freezes, it expands. If that happens inside a pipe, the pressure has nowhere to go and can cause the pipe to crack or burst. The real damage often isn't done until the ice thaws and water begins to escape through the split. Pipes in unheated or exposed areas — like attics, garages, outhouses and along external walls — are the most at risk. A little protection in these spots goes a long way.
How can you prevent frozen and burst pipes? A few simple steps taken ahead of the cold snap can save you a great deal of stress and expense.
1.Insulate your pipes and water tank
Lagging is the single most effective thing you can do. Fit foam pipe insulation (lagging) to any exposed pipes, particularly in the attic, garage and outhouses, and wrap your water tank in an insulating jacket. It's inexpensive, widely available in hardware shops, and easy to fit yourself. Pay special attention to pipes running along external walls and in unheated spaces, as these are the first to freeze.
2. Keep your heating on low during cold spells
During a prolonged freeze, it's worth keeping your heating on at a low temperature rather than switching it off entirely. Keeping the house above around 12–15°C helps stop the water in your pipes from freezing. Setting your heating to come on for short periods overnight can also keep things ticking over during the coldest hours.
3. Let warm air reach your pipes Open the doors of cupboards and units that house pipework, such as the space under your kitchen sink, so warm air can circulate around them. If you have pipes in the attic, leaving the attic hatch slightly open on very cold nights allows some heat to rise up from the rest of the house.
4. Fix dripping taps and leaks A dripping tap means there's standing water sitting in the pipe, which is more likely to freeze. Repair any leaks or drips before the cold weather arrives, and you'll reduce the risk of a blockage forming.
5. Know where your stopcock is Your main stopcock (or stop valve) shuts off the water supply to your home. Make sure you know exactly where it is and that it turns easily as you'll need to reach it quickly if a pipe does burst. It's usually found under the kitchen sink, in a utility room, or near where the water enters the house.
6. Protect your home before you go away If you're heading off for a winter break, don't leave your home unprotected. Keep the heating on a timer at a low setting, or drain the system if you'll be away for an extended period. Asking a trusted neighbour, friend or family member to check in can also make all the difference. For more advice, see our tips on protecting your home while you're on holiday.
7. Prepare your home for winter generally Frozen pipes are just one of several cold-weather risks. Clearing gutters, checking your roof and servicing your boiler all help your home cope better through the winter months. Our guide on preparing your home for winter covers the essentials.
What should you do if a pipe freezes? If you turn on a tap and only a trickle (or nothing) comes out, you may have a frozen pipe. Act quickly:
Turn off the water supply at the stopcock to limit any damage if the pipe has already split.
Open the affected tap so water can flow once the ice melts and to relieve pressure.
Gently thaw the pipe using a hot water bottle, warm towels or a hairdryer on a low setting, starting from the end nearest the tap.
Never use a naked flame or blowtorch to thaw a pipe.
If a pipe has already burst, turn off the water at the stopcock immediately, switch off your heating, and call a plumber. If water is near any electrics, switch off your electricity at the mains and keep well clear.
Compare home insurance quotes A little preparation before the cold weather arrives can save you from the stress, disruption and expense of a burst pipe. But even the most careful homeowner can be caught out, which is why having the right cover in place matters. Remember, at Quote Devil we quickly compare different insurers on the market to find you the best deal on home insurance. Get protected from fire, theft, storms, floods or any other unforeseen event that damages or destroys your home and its contents.
