What should I do if a pipe freezes?

Frozen pipes are a common winter problem that can disrupt your water supply and, if left unchecked, lead to burst pipes and costly water damage. Acting quickly can prevent further issues and help restore your plumbing safely.

First, identify the frozen pipe by checking for slow or no water flow, gurgling noises from your central heating or frost on pipes in cold areas like lofts, cellars, garages or external walls.

Turn off your water supply at the stopcock, usually found under the kitchen sink, in a cupboard, garage or cellar, to prevent pressure building in the system. Open the affected tap to allow water to escape as the pipe thaws, and consider opening nearby taps to relieve pressure elsewhere.

Thaw the pipe slowly using hot water bottles wrapped in cloth, warm towels soaked in hot water or a hairdryer on a low or medium heat setting. Never use naked flames or blowtorches, as these can damage pipes or cause fires. Once thawed, check the pipe for leaks by running a dry cloth along it; if water appears, leave the supply off and contact a plumber immediately.

If needed, call a WaterSafe recognised plumber to inspect or repair the pipe, as temporary fixes like tape or cloth binding are not permanent solutions. Make your home safe by switching off the electricity at the mains if water has reached electrics and moving furniture or belongings out of harm’s way.

To help prevent future frozen pipes, insulate exposed pipes, leave a small trickle of water running in cold weather, drain tanks or unused systems if you’ll be away and repair leaks promptly. You can also learn more about how to prevent pipes from freezing by reading our article.