How to Stop Your Pipes Freezing in Winter
When temperatures drop, your home’s pipework can come under strain. Frozen pipes are more than just an inconvenience, they can burst, flood your property, and lead to expensive repairs. The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to stay ahead of the cold and protect your home this winter.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Pipes in lofts, garages, basements, outbuildings, and unheated areas of your property are particularly vulnerable. Applying proper insulation helps keep the water inside them above freezing point.
- Use purpose-made pipe lagging for the best protection
- Ensure joints and corners are fully covered
- Check older insulation and replace if worn
If you’re worried about existing damage or leaks, our leaking and burst pipe repairs service can help protect your home and prevent further issues.
2. Keep Your Heating on a Low, Consistent Setting
Even if you’re out for the day – or away for longer, maintaining a low level of heat throughout your home can prevent pipes from freezing.
- A constant low temperature is more effective than turning the heating off completely
- Use timer settings or smart thermostats if you have them, or speak to us about thermostat installation
Consistency is key in sudden cold snaps.
3. Let Taps Drip Slightly on Very Cold Nights
Allowing taps to drip very slowly keeps water moving through the pipes. Moving water is far less likely to freeze.
You don’t need to leave them running – just a gentle trickle is enough in extreme conditions.
4. Know the Warning Signs
Spotting early signs of freezing allows you to act before damage occurs:
- Frost or ice forming on pipe surfaces
- Extremely cold taps
- Slow or reduced water flow
- Gurgling noises when turning on taps
If you notice any of these, switch off your stop tap and contact a professional promptly. Our experienced team offer a wide range of plumbing services to help keep your system safe and working properly.
5. What to Do If a Pipe Has Frozen
If a pipe has already frozen:
- Turn off your mains water supply
- Open the affected tap to relieve pressure
- Gently warm the pipe using towels soaked in warm water, or a hairdryer on a low setting
- Never use naked flames or boiling water
If you’re unsure or the pipe has burst, get in touch with a qualified expert immediately.
Get Help from Deakins
Winter plumbing issues can escalate quickly, but you don’t need to tackle them alone. Whether you’re dealing with a frozen pipe, want advice on protecting your home, or are planning upgrades to your heating and plumbing, Deakins are here to help.
Explore our full range of plumbing services, protect your system with our boiler cover options, or book an appointment with our team today.