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How to manage your frozen pipes
18 December 2024
Originally published in November 2022. Refreshed with new information and republished in December 2024.
If your pipes start to freeze over, it’s important to take care of them before they cause further issues to your home. In this handy blog we’ll talk you through what to do if your pipe freezes and how to minimize damage if your frozen pipe does burst.
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It seems obvious, but if the temperature drops outside, so does it in your external pipes. However, too many of us don’t think about it until it’s too late. Frozen pipes are a common issue in many types of homes but thankfully they can be thawed in just a few simple sets.
Identify the cause of your frozen pipe
If one of your pipes is frozen, you’ll need to locate the blockage before acting. You can do this by:
- Looking for evidence of freezing along the pipes.
- Using your hands to feel along the pipe until you reach a section that feels colder than the rest. You may find it helpful to compare the temperature of the blocked pipe to that of a pipe where you know the water is flowing freely.
Remember, during the colder months, you may find multiple frozen areas within a single pipe. This is especially common in areas where the pipe is exposed to the elements, such as draughty areas where the pipe enters your home.
Protect your possessions
If you suspect a pipe is frozen, it’s a clever idea to protect everything nearby to avoid potential damage if the pipe were to burst. Move smaller items out of the way and cover up larger pieces that might not be possible to move.
Turn off the stop tap
Turn off the main stop tap. You typically find this tap under your kitchen sink or where the service pipe enters your home. If your stop tap is in an area that may cause danger or risk to you, then please don’t attempt this yourself.
If you have a cold water tank, turn off the stopcock too, this is usually found in the attic or loft.
Run the closest tap
Next, open the cold tap that’s closest to the section of frozen pipe - this will allow the water to flow away when it melts.
Defrost your frozen pipe
Before attempting this next step, please check your pipes for any signs of damage, failure to do so could result in further damage.
You can defrost the frozen section of pipe by covering it with a hot water bottle or heat pack, this may take some time but is a safe option. If you do choose to take this step, make sure the area is dry and you avoid your equipment making contact with water.
Remember, never use a naked flame or a heat gun to thaw out ice, as this could damage your pipes and creates a fire hazard.
Check for pipe damage
Once you’ve thawed out your pipe, check it thoroughly for any signs of damage or leakage. If your pipe has been damaged, you will need to call out a qualified plumber or, if included in your maintenance agreement, contact Places for People to fix the issue.
Turn on the taps
Once the blockage has been defrosted, turn your stop tap and stopcock back on and run water until the normal flow is restored.
How to dry out your home
Sadly, sometimes a frozen pipe can burst, leaving water damage in its wake. If this does happen to you, it’s vital to know what you can do to minimise the long-term damage to your home and dry it out quickly.
To dry out any affected rooms, you should keep the doors and windows open wherever possible. This circulation of fresh air will help speed up the drying process. Leaving your heating on and leaving drawers and doors open will accelerate the drying.
If your house is cold following drying it out then follow our guide to safely keep warm this winter.
FAQ's
How to defrost a condensate pipe
Having trouble with your boiler because of a frozen condensate pipe?
Don't worry—our step-by-step guide on How to Defrost a Condensate Pipe has all the advice you need to get it sorted quickly and safely.
Will pipes freeze if my heating is off?
Yes, they can freeze when temperatures drop, especially if they're exposed or uninsulated.
Check out our guide on projects to keep your home warm in winter for advice on insulating pipes.
What temperature stops pipes freezing?
British Gas recommend keeping your home heated to at least 7°C even when you're not there. This will help prevent pipes freezing even when temperatures drop.
Check out our guide to the ideal room temperature in winter to find out more about how you can stay comfortable while preventing your pipes freezing.
In conclusion
Dealing with a frozen pipe is inconvenient at best and damaging at worst. But with a few simple steps, you can prevent serious issues and keep your home ticking along smoothly.
Remember, if you’re still having issues with a managed property, you can contact Places for People.
If you are not a Places for People customer, we do recommend using a reputable website to find a suitable tradesperson such as Checkatrade, TrustMark or Trust a Trader.
In the meantime, why not check out some of our other how-to-guides and insightful blogs?
The Energy Saving Trust recommends heating your home to between 18 to 21 degrees Celsius during winter. The World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests 18 degrees is the ideal temperature for healthy people.