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How to sort out frozen pipes in UK homes

Tips to combat freezing pipes in UK households

As temperatures plunge in the colder winter months, and especially so in the climate of a particularly freezing late 2022, UK households would do well to brace for numerous home heating challenges.

One such conundrum is that posed by the possibility of frozen pipes, which is already proving a common issue for homeowners to contend with to ensure their heating systems continue to operate to their full potential when needed the most.

It is estimated that poorly insulated pipework could cost a typical UK household around £40 extra per annum. And in a time that spiralling energy costs are, to pardon the pun, one of the hottest lifestyle topics to boot, there’s seldom been a more prudent time to look at how to combat frozen pipes in the UK.

So just how do you prevent frozen pipes?

How can you thaw out frozen pipes if the problem has already materialised?

And what can you do to make sure frozen pipes don’t lead to leaks and further troubles?

Read on to see how to tackle the frozen pipes UK epidemic. (The rest of the article won’t be quite so dramatic).

Damaged wall exposing burst water pipes after flood

What issues can frozen pipes cause?

The freezing of pipes can actually prove to be one of the most expensive by-products of the winter temperature plummet, and one of the most frequently occurring issues for UK households as well.

Frozen pipes can pose problems to hot water and central heating systems, causing them to fail to work to their full potential at a time they are required the most, and leading the likes of hot water radiators to fail to function correctly.

But there’s also the prospect of bigger issues arising as pipes freeze such as leakages and flooding in severe instances.

How can you tell if your pipes are frozen?

Close up image of burst copper pipes from cold

There’s a few signs to look out for with regards to your home heating setup that can help you tell if your pipes are frozen.

The most obvious tell-tale indicator is the actual aesthetic of any exposed pipework – signs of wetness or frost on a typically warm piping surface can indicate said pipes are frozen, as can patches of damp forming on ceilings or walls.

From the inside, meanwhile, the way some heating devices work can signal frozen pipes could be at play. Limited or no water emerging from showers or hot water taps is an indicator that your pipes might need to thaw out.

If you notice any of these signs, the first thing to do is to switch off the water at the valve before running the remaining water to alleviate pressure on the pipe.

In the event you’ve noticed a leak, heavy duty tape such as PTFE tape can be applied as a temporary measure to preserve the overall condition of the pipework.

How can you prevent frozen pipes?

burst copper pipes from the cold, closeup

The preventative measures you can take towards avoiding frozen pipes are largely encompassed within general best home heating practices.

When your main home heating system isn’t operating with full efficiency, the noticeable cold spots will be most susceptible to a pipe leak risk on account of the cold conditions.

Make sure your boiler is serviced at least annually to guarantee it is working efficiently and safely, maintaining its optimal temperature.

The best time of the year to schedule a boiler service for would be just prior to the colder winter climes arriving, so you know it’s in tip-top shape for when you need it the most and in the best possible state to combat your pipes from freezing.

Another means, and perhaps the most effective one, to tackle frozen pipes before they come to fruition, is to properly insulate them.

Pipe insulation is frequently found in the majority of DIY shops, and is typically not too costly to purchase. If you accurately measure your pipework as well, you should be able to fit pipe insulation without much fuss, and save on any installation fees you might have worried about.

Take care to apply insulation to any outdoor exposed pipework areas and elements, not dismissing the likes of valves, fittings and bends as you do so.

And don’t forget to check up on indoor pipes in more obscure areas of the home as well that could be somewhat of an afterthought otherwise. For instance, pipework located in loft or attic space that doesn’t welcome a consistent flow of warm air.

What should you do if your pipes are frozen?

Despite any preventative steps you might take against freezing pipes, sometimes they’ll ultimately be unavoidable, and of course you’ll want to tackle the problem as quickly as possible if it arises to avoid further issues like leakages or bursting.

In the event that you do identify frozen pipes, the first action you should take is to switch off your inside stop tap.

This can usually be found beneath the kitchen sink, but alternate possible locations include kitchen cupboards, downstairs bathrooms, cellars, garages and closets, often underneath the staircase.

Then, open all the taps to drain the system, collecting a decent amount of water in a bucket if possible, so there’s some reserves for washing and the flushing of toilets. Once the water has finished running, switch all the taps off.

Ice dripping from frozen plastic pipe

How do you thaw out frozen pipes?

The process of thawing out frozen pipes should be performed gradually, via the use of towels soaked in hot water or hot water bottles.

Refrain from applying a naked flame to pipework in any circumstances – the direct heat could lead the pipes to become permanently damaged and also pose a fire risk to the household.

How do you deal with burst pipes?

In severe instances, frozen pipes can be susceptible to bursting. If such an unfortunate scenario does ensue, you need to follow the same initial protocol as you do when noticing the pipes have frozen.

Use the stop tap first to switch off the water supply entering the home, and turn off your boiler.

Open all the taps in the property for the drainage of the system as fast as possible, again preserving a decent level of water for the flushing of toilets and washing.

Then, switch off all the taps once the water flow has ceased. Lay down multiple towels to soak up any flooded water to restrict the level of damage done.

If any water has leaked close to wires or electrical devices, don’t touch the appliances and turn them off at the fuse box to be safe.

How to prepare for frozen pipes

Although an obvious major hinderance, frozen pipes can be prepared for via some handy maintenance measures, which will make it easier to tackle the issue if and when it does arise.

By far the simplest starting point is to locate your stop tap and routinely check it is working correctly every six months or so.

You should also examine the pipework in any unfrequented spaces like the loft or roof areas, ensuring they are well insulated and topping up on insulation if necessary.

Of course, make sure your boiler is serviced and in full working order, and it can also be a good idea to leave the central heating running low when out of the house for long periods of time.

And it goes without saying to keep the contact details of a trusted local plumbing professional to hand in case of an emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can prepare for frozen pipes by locating your stop tap and ensuring it is in proper working order at least twice a year, as well as checking the pipework in lesser used spaces like the loft or roof and making sure they are properly insulated.

Also, you should service your boiler annually and sometimes leave the central heating system running low when away from the house for extended periods.

To find out more about frozen pipes and how to prevent them from posing an issue, take a look at our blog, How to sort out frozen pipes in UK homes.

Frozen pipes should be thawed out gradually, through the use of hot water bottles or towels soaked in hot water. You should always avoid taking a naked flame to pipework no matter what the circumstances, as the direct heat could permanently damage the pipes and pose a fire risk to the home.

For further information, consult our blog, How to sort out frozen pipes in UK homes.

Frozen pipes can cause problems with hot water supplies and central heating systems within a home, leading them to fail to work to their full capacity when needed the most in freezing conditions, and not supplying your hot water radiators as well as they should.

In especially severe cases of frozen pipes, the possibility of pipes bursting and causing significant leakages is a more serious concern that can have more impactful long-term ramifications. To gain a more detailed insight, browse our blog, How to sort out frozen pipes in UK homes.

Home heating tips and advice from BestHeating

Network of burst copper pipes from cold

In addition to this guidance surrounding frozen pipes and how to address them, there’s all sorts of home heating hints and tips to be found in the BestHeating Advice Centre, including handy help on how to get the very best out of your devices like designer radiators and heated towel rails.

If you would like any further information or help, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us in the comments section below, or via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

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