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Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter

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Worried about frozen pipes this winter?

Discover how to protect your plumbing system, prevent costly damage, and keep your property prepared for colder weather.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Photo by Anil Karakaya on Pexels

Why Frozen Pipes Are Such a Problem

When water freezes, it expands — by as much as 9% — which can cause pipes to crack or burst. Inside a confined pipe, that expansion exerts enormous pressure — often more than the pipe can handle.
The result? Cracks, splits, or full bursts that can cause serious water damage once the ice thaws.

Frozen pipes are especially common in:

  • Lofts and roof voids
  • Unheated garages or basements
  • Outdoor pipework and garden taps
  • Utility rooms or extensions with poor insulation
  • Holiday homes and unoccupied buildings

The first signs of trouble are often subtle — slow taps, reduced flow, or no water at all. Taking early action and properly insulating exposed pipework is far easier (and cheaper) than repairing damage afterwards.

Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes

1. Insulate All Exposed Pipework

Proper insulation is the first and most effective line of defence. Pipe lagging, also known as pipe insulation, keeps heat in and the cold out, reducing the risk of freezing dramatically.

Focus on the following areas:

  • Lofts and attics – Lag all visible pipework and water tanks

  • Garages and outhouses – Insulate supply pipes that run through unheated spaces

  • Underfloor areas and crawl spaces – These are easily forgotten but prone to freezing

  • Outdoor taps and exposed runs – Even short sections of uncovered pipe can freeze solid

Expert Tip: Always ensure lagging fits snugly with no gaps — even a small uninsulated joint can freeze and cause a blockage.

Shop our range of pipe insulation and lagging to protect vulnerable sections quickly and effectively.
Choose from standard polyethylene lagging, high-performance foam, and pre-slit options for easy installation.

Hand turning a thermostatic valve on a radiator
PHOTO BY BOOM PHOTOGRAPHY | PEXELS

2. Install Frost Protection and Thermostatic Controls

Even the best insulation can only do so much in sub-zero conditions. Adding thermostatic and frost protection controls provides an extra safeguard.
These devices automatically activate heating when temperatures fall below a set threshold — ensuring pipes stay warm enough to prevent freezing.

Consider:

  • Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to maintain steady heat output
  • Pipe thermostats for key system areas such as loft water tanks
  • Smart heating controls that let you manage your system remotely

3. Maintain a Consistent Indoor Temperature

A common mistake is turning off the heating completely when leaving home or a site unattended. Allowing the property’s temperature to drop too low is a guaranteed way to freeze pipes.

Keep the thermostat set to at least 12–15°C during cold spells. This maintains a steady background temperature that protects hidden pipework behind walls and under floors.

For unoccupied properties, consider:

  • Leaving cabinet doors open under sinks to allow warm air circulation

  • Using a frost protection heater in outbuildings

  • Draining down systems if they’ll be empty for long periods

Hands adjusting a digital thermostat
PHOTO BY ARTHUR LAMBILLOTTE | UNSPLASH
unsplash-ralpha-wilde-outdoor-tap
PHOTO BY RAPHA WILDE | UNSPLASH

4. Don’t Forget Outdoor Taps and External Plumbing

External pipework and garden taps are the most exposed parts of your plumbing system — and the most likely to freeze first.

Before winter sets in:

Disconnect hoses and drain them fully

Fit insulated tap covers or frost jackets

Use outdoor pipe lagging or pre-insulated kits

5. Regularly Check for Vulnerable Spots

Even a well-insulated system can develop cold spots over time. Before the first frost:

  • Walk your property and check for uninsulated sections of pipe

  • Inspect lagging for wear, damage, or compression

  • Look for draughts or cold air leaks where pipes pass through walls

Replacing worn insulation and sealing gaps can make a big difference.

While you’re preparing your home for colder weather, it’s also worth checking that any ageing fittings, valves or pipework are in good condition. Having the right plumbing supplies on hand can make winter maintenance and minor repairs much easier.

Regularly checking your plumbing for signs of wear or damage can help prevent unexpected problems. If your home is in a hard water area, understanding the effects of limescale is also worthwhile.
Find out more in our guide to water softeners and salt.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

Despite your best efforts, sometimes freezing happens — especially in sudden cold snaps. Knowing what to do can save serious damage.

If you suspect a frozen pipe:

  1. Turn off your water supply at the stopcock immediately.

  2. Open nearby taps to relieve pressure.

  3. Warm the affected section gradually using a hairdryer, warm towel, or gentle heater (never use a naked flame).

  4. Check for leaks once the pipe thaws — if in doubt, call a qualified plumber.

It’s always worth having a plumbing repair kit on hand for emergencies

Final Thought: Prevention Is Always Cheaper Than Repair

Most frozen pipe incidents happen during the first big cold snap of winter. Taking a few simple preventative measures now, such as insulating exposed pipework, fitting thermostatic controls, and checking vulnerable areas, can save you hundreds of pounds in repairs and unnecessary disruption later on.

Need plumbing advice?

Visit your nearest Turnbull Plumbing Branch for expert advice, quality plumbing supplies and everything you need to protect your home this winter.

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