Tips to Deal with Frozen or Burst Pipes

Tips to help you avoid issues with your water supply this winter.

Just like us, our homes need to be kept warm when there is a drop in temperature. Having issues with your water supply first thing in the morning isn’t the best way to start your day! As the weather is set to get colder, it is important to keep your water pipes insulated to prevent them from freezing.

You might be aware of how to deal with a frozen or burst pipe, but for those of you who don’t - we’ve compiled some tips on how to prevent and deal with this situation if it occurs in your home.

Here Are Some Points You Should Keep an Eye on This Winter

Check That Your Pipes Are Lagged:

When your pipes are ‘lagged’ it means that they have insulation around them that should prevent them from becoming frozen. Also, having them properly insulated is a good way to conserve heat in your house, which can help reduce your bills.

Any pipes that don’t have any insulation around them should be fitted with insulating material to prevent them from becoming frozen. Make sure your emersion heater is insulated too.

When Your Pipes Become Frozen:

If you notice the water pressure is low or there is little water coming out of a tap then this could be an indication that you have a frozen pipe.

If you have found a frozen pipe, you need to switch off your water supply to prevent a pipe from bursting, and then thaw the pipe out. You should thaw it gradually. Don't apply direct heat to the pipe as this can cause it to burst.

What to Do if Your Pipe Bursts:

Firstly, turn your water supply off. Once you have located the source of the leak, try to block any water that is escaping with thick cloth. The quicker you can prevent the water from spreading will limit the amount of water damage. If you are struggling to deal with the burst pipe, contact a reputable plumber who should be trained to deal with the situation.

In General:

You are more likely to get a frozen pipe if you don't use your heating during winter. It is a good idea to allocate a time in the day that will allow you to circulate some warm air through your home. Having a heated towel rail in your bathroom will help you beat the winter chill! Remember not to take any portable electric heating into your bathroom as they could turn live, and could cause serious harm if water comes into contact with them.

If you notice any dripping taps then get them fixed – this will prevent a build-up of water that could freeze and block your pipes.

A sudden rupture of water isn’t the only sign of a burst pipe. If you notice a loss of water pressure, this could be an indication that there is a leakage in one of your pipes.

Know where to locate your stop tap to turn your water supply off. You will need to know its location to deal with a worst case scenario.

We hope you’ve found these tips useful. Remember, if you are in any doubt of how to handle any of the issues mentioned above, contact a reputable professional.