How To Check For Frozen Pipes This Winter
With the temperature dropping and first frost marking winter’s imminent arrival, it’s time to act on the early warning signs and protect your property against frozen pipes. Many property owners may not realise that frozen pipes are prone to burst, leading to ruptures that can cause significant damage to your home, once the ice thaws and the pipes start to leak.
Whilst a frozen pipe might seem like a minor inconvenience, such as a temporary lack of running water, a burst pipe can result in severe property damage; rendering your business hazardous or home uninhabitable and leaving a significant dent in your finances.
Statistics from Direct Line reveal that approximately 2,650 pipes burst annually in the UK, with £50 million spent on repairs to rectify the damage. They also noted that the highest claim volumes occur in January and February, which are generally considered the coldest months of the year.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your property’s pipes and prevent them from meeting this unfortunate fate.
Here, we show you how to check for frozen pipes this winter. We’ve outlined some preventative measures along with advice on what to do if damage has been caused.
What are frozen pipes?
Frozen pipes occur when the water inside your plumbing system is exposed to temperatures below freezing. Water begins to freeze at 0°C (32°F), putting your pipes at risk of damage as temperatures drop.
What are the common causes of frozen pipes?
Exposed pipes subjected to extremely cold weather is the leading cause for frozen water in plumbing systems. Pipes that are uninsulated, located under floors, in basements or exposed to the elements are especially vulnerable to the cold.
When are pipes likely to freeze?
Your pipes are likely to freeze whenever the temperature drops below 0°C. Whether your pipe bursts depends on several factors, including the speed at which it freezes and thaws, the age and condition of the pipe and the severity of the temperatures it is exposed to.
In the UK, the first instance of temperatures dropping below this point is commonly referred to as ‘first frost’ by the likes of gardeners and farmers. The date of ‘first frost’ will vary depending on your location, but as a general rule this usually takes place in November.
As autumn brings cooler weather, it’s advisable to monitor local forecasts through services like the Met Office to stay informed about anticipated freezing temperatures. As a result of climate change, extreme weather in the UK is becoming more frequent, thereby increasing the likelihood of burst pipes in the coming years.
Please note that during winter, fluctuating temperatures can cause your pipes to repeatedly freeze and thaw. This cycle means they are at frequent risk of bursting.
It is advised to regularly check and maintain your pipes throughout this period.
How to check for frozen pipes
Here are few common signs of frozen pipes to look out for in those cold winter months:
- Little or no running water
- Visible frosting on your pipes
- Odd or unpleasant smells coming from faucets or drains
- Faulty or broken boiler
If you notice one or more of these signs, we recommend inspecting your pipes thoroughly for where it may have ruptured. If the pipe is frozen, we would advise you turn off the main water valve to prevent significant flooding should the pipe burst when it thaws.
How to prevent frozen pipes
Preventing the issue before it progresses is your best chance at avoiding any potential damage to your property. Luckily, there are measures you can take to prevent your pipes from freezing:
- Insulate pipes and water tanks where possible
- Regularly check your boiler is in full working order
- Repair dripping taps and fixtures to prevent excess water collecting in your pipes
- If your home is likely to be unoccupied for long periods in cold weather, consider draining all water from your system and turning off the stopcock
Can frozen pipes cause damage?
In worst-case scenarios where a frozen pipe has burst and began to leak, internal flooding can lead to extensive water damage within the property. Whilst the initial floodwater may be challenging to remove, the secondary damage caused may result in staining, unpleasant odours and a significant disruption to your living or work conditions.
Such conditions are often unsafe, unhygienic and can render your property uninhabitable or hazardous for employees. If you experience a burst pipe, turn off the water supply immediately and contact a qualified plumber or specialist water leak detection and restoration company.
How Rainbow Restoration can help
If you’ve been unfortunate enough to suffer with a burst pipe in your property, you have no time to waste. The sooner the leak is addressed, the less likely it is to leave significant lasting damage.
Our extensive national coverage ensures there is a trusted and qualified Rainbow Restoration branch local to your property. With over 30+ years of experience in water damage restoration, our experts will work quickly and efficiently to return your property to its pre-incident condition – ensuring minimal disruption to your business or livelihood.
We operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so we’re ready and waiting whenever you need us. Please do not hesitate to contact us on 01623 422488.
Frequently asked questions
Will frozen pipes thaw on their own?
Frozen pipes will thaw naturally if the surrounding temperature rises.
Can frozen pipes thaw without bursting?
As water expands when frozen, pipes are most likely to burst before they have thawed, though the damage is often only noticed once a leak occurs. However, not all pipes burst when frozen; factors like the time it takes to freeze, the temperature extremes it is exposed to and the pipes condition influence the risk.
How long does it take for pipes to unfreeze?
The time it takes to naturally thaw the pipes in your home will vary depending on the outside temperature. However, there are techniques, such as using warm towels, to speed the process up.
Always consult an expert before doing so.
Will pouring boiling water down the drain unfreeze pipes?
Pouring boiling water down the drain is one way to thaw pipes, but exposing them to extreme temperatures can increase the risk of further damage. It’s safer to use warm water instead of boiling water to minimise this risk.