Frozen pipes: prevent and thaw

Prevention in cold snaps

Insulate pipes in lofts, garages and outbuildings. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors on exterior walls during hard frosts so warmer room air can reach pipework. Know where your internal stopcock is before you need it. If you leave a property empty, consider draining down or leaving heating on a low set-back — follow your insurer’s guidance.

If you suspect a freeze

1. Open the tap downstream of the suspected freeze slightly so melting water can escape.
2. Warm the pipe gently with warm towels or a hairdryer on a low setting — never use a blowtorch or uncontrolled naked flame.
3. Work from the tap back towards the frozen section.
4. Once flow returns, check joints and bends for splits or drips as ice expands and contracts.

Safety notes

• Burst pipes can release a large volume of water quickly — know how to shut the stopcock.
• Keep electrics away from water; if water is near sockets or the consumer unit, isolate power if safe.
• Do not hit frozen pipes with tools.

When to call a professional

If you cannot restore flow, the pipe has split, or water is escaping, shut the stopcock and call for burst pipe repair or an emergency plumber. Super Plumbers prioritises escaping water — Derby 01332 314146. For lasting damage to pipe runs, see pipe repair.