Winter conditions expose vulnerabilities in residential properties. While draughts and cold spots cause discomfort, burst water pipes can create serious damage and disruption.
When water freezes within copper or plastic pipes, it expands. This expansion can create enough pressure to split pipework or damage joints. Upon thawing, water may escape through the fracture and cause damage to the building fabric and contents.
Immediate response: frozen pipe protocol
If a tap produces only slow drips on a freezing morning, or the boiler displays a relevant error code, a frozen pipe may be likely. Prompt, safe action is essential.
Step 1: isolate the main water supply
Locate the main stopcock, typically under the kitchen sink, in an airing cupboard or beneath the stairs, and turn fully clockwise. If the pipe has already fractured, this can help reduce flooding when the ice melts.
Step 2: open the affected tap
Open the frozen tap fully. This relieves pressure within the pipe during thawing and provides an escape route for meltwater.
Step 3: locate the frozen section
Inspect exposed pipework, particularly in unheated areas such as lofts, garages, cellars and locations near external walls.
Step 4: apply controlled gentle heat
Use a domestic hairdryer on medium heat, moving slowly along the frozen section. Alternatively, wrap the pipe in towels soaked in warm water. Never use boiling water, blowtorches or open flames.
Step 5: inspect for damage
Once water flows normally, examine the thawed pipe for hairline fractures or weeping joints. Restore the stopcock gradually while monitoring closely.
Four preventative measures
- Pipe insulation: install foam pipe lagging on exposed pipework in unheated areas.
- Maintain background heating: during cold weather, keep some background heat in the property.
- Repair dripping taps: slow trickles can freeze in waste pipes and create ice blockages.
- Know your stopcock location: ensure household members know where it is and how it operates.
Wintarsons Home Emergency protection
Despite preventative measures, extreme weather can still cause unexpected plumbing failures. Home Emergency Insurance can help with urgent support when covered events occur.
- Rapid assistance via the claims administrator.
- Call-out, labour and parts support up to the relevant claim limit.
- Emergency accommodation contribution where applicable under the policy.