The Threat of Freezing Temperatures

When the temperature drops below zero in London, our emergency plumbing lines light up. Water expands as it freezes, and when this happens inside a rigid copper or plastic pipe, the immense pressure causes the pipe to split. When the ice thaws, hundreds of litres of water pour into the property.

Prevention is vastly cheaper than the cure. Here is how you protect your property.

1. Lag Your Pipes (Insulation)

Pipe lagging—foam tubing wrapped around exposed pipes—is your first line of defence. You should lag all exposed pipes in unheated areas of your home, such as:

  • The loft/attic
  • The garage
  • Exterior walls
  • Under floorboards (if accessible)

Lagging is cheap and can be bought from any DIY store. Ensure the corners and joints are thoroughly wrapped using insulation tape.

2. Keep the Heating on Low

If you are going away for the winter holidays, do not turn your heating completely off. Set your thermostat to a minimum of 10°C to 12°C. This ensures ambient heat circulates through the property, keeping the internal walls and pipework above freezing.

3. Locate Your Stopcock

If the worst happens, you need to turn off the water immediately. Ensure you know where your internal stopcock is located (usually under the kitchen sink) and check that it hasn't seized up. Turn it a quarter-turn every few months to keep it loose.

4. Drain Outside Taps

Outside garden taps are the most vulnerable. If you have an internal isolation valve for the garden tap, turn it off and open the outside tap to drain the residual water. Alternatively, buy an insulated tap cover to protect it from frost.

What to do if a Pipe Freezes

If you turn on your tap and no water comes out during a cold snap, your pipe is likely frozen but hasn't burst yet.

  • Turn off the main stopcock immediately to relieve pressure.
  • Turn on the cold taps to allow water to escape when it thaws.
  • Gently thaw the pipe using a hairdryer on its lowest setting, or by wrapping a hot water bottle around the affected area. Never use a blowtorch or open flame.

If you suspect the pipe has already cracked, call Stones & Co immediately. Our 24/7 emergency plumbers are equipped to repair split pipes and restore your water safely.