Frozen pipes are one of the most common – and costly – plumbing emergencies during winter in Northamptonshire. When water freezes inside pipes, it expands and can cause pipes to crack or burst, leading to flooding and expensive repairs. Here's how to protect your home.
Which Pipes Are Most at Risk?
- Pipes in unheated areas – lofts, garages, and under sinks on outside walls
- External pipes – outside taps and exposed pipework
- Pipes against external walls – especially in older properties with less insulation
- Boiler condensate pipes – the plastic overflow pipe that runs outside
Prevention Tips
1 Insulate Your Pipes
Fit foam pipe lagging to exposed pipes in your loft, garage, and under sinks. It's cheap (around £1-2 per metre) and easy to fit yourself. Pay special attention to any pipes running through unheated spaces.
2 Keep Your Heating On Low
During very cold spells, keep your heating on a low setting (around 12-15°C) even when you're out or asleep. It's much cheaper than dealing with burst pipe damage.
3 Open Loft Hatches
On very cold nights, leave your loft hatch slightly open to let warm air from the house circulate and keep loft pipes warmer.
4 Open Cabinet Doors
Leave kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open so warm air can reach pipes under sinks, especially those on external walls.
5 Disconnect Outside Taps
Turn off the isolation valve for outside taps and drain any remaining water. Leave the tap open slightly so any water left can expand without cracking the pipe.
6 Protect Boiler Condensate Pipes
Wrap your boiler's condensate pipe with foam lagging or pour warm (not boiling) water over it if it freezes. This is a common cause of boiler breakdowns in winter.
What to Do If Pipes Freeze
If you suspect frozen pipes:
- Turn off the water at the stopcock
- Open the affected tap to release pressure as ice melts
- Apply gentle heat with a hairdryer or warm cloth – never use a blowtorch!
- Check for cracks or splits once thawed
- If you find damage or can't thaw the pipe, call a plumber immediately
Burst Pipe? Act Fast!
If a pipe bursts, immediately turn off the water at the stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink) and switch off your central heating. Then call us for emergency repairs – we're available 24/7.
Need Help Winterproofing?
Everyday Plumbing can install pipe insulation, fit frost protection to outside taps, and check your plumbing is ready for winter. We also offer 24/7 emergency callouts for burst pipes across Northamptonshire.