Frozen Pipes and the Big Thaw: How to Avoid a Winter Waterworks Spectacle
How frozen pipes cause burst pipes and drain problems in winter, and what London and Essex property owners can do to prevent them.
A hard frost can turn an ordinary pipe into a serious problem overnight, and the thaw that follows is often when the real damage shows itself.
Why frozen pipes cause so much trouble
Water expands as it freezes, and that expansion puts pressure on the inside of a pipe that it was never designed to withstand. Once the ice begins to thaw, any cracks or splits that formed during the freeze allow water to escape, often inside walls or under floors where it is not immediately visible.
Drains and outside gullies are just as vulnerable as internal pipework, particularly where they run close to the surface or through unheated areas such as garages and outbuildings.
Where problems are most likely
Pipes in lofts, under suspended floors, in outbuildings and against external walls are most exposed to low temperatures. External drainage runs and gullies serving outside taps are also at risk, especially on older properties without modern insulation.
Preventing frozen pipes before the cold snap
A little preparation before winter sets in goes a long way towards avoiding an emergency call out later.
- Insulate pipes in lofts, garages and under floors with lagging
- Keep the heating on low during very cold spells, even when the property is empty
- Disconnect and drain outside hoses and taps
- Know where your stopcock is in case you need to shut off the water quickly
- Clear leaves and debris from gullies so meltwater can drain away freely
What to do if a pipe freezes
If a tap stops running or you hear odd noises from the pipework, turn off the stopcock and try to thaw the affected section gently with warm towels or a hairdryer, working from the tap end towards the blockage. Never use a naked flame.
If water is already escaping, or you cannot locate the frozen section, it is safer to call for professional help rather than risk making the damage worse.
Dealing with the aftermath
Once the thaw sets in, drains that were partially blocked by ice can back up quickly, and any debris that has built up over winter may need clearing with high pressure jetting to restore normal flow. A CCTV drain survey can also confirm whether any cracks or damage have been left behind.
Our 24 hour emergency call outs cover exactly this kind of sudden, weather driven problem across London and Essex, so help is available whatever time the pipe decides to give way.
Get ahead of winter
Booking a drain unblocking or maintenance visit before the cold weather arrives is far less disruptive than dealing with a burst pipe in January. Call 020 3488 6280 or email info@rdrainage.co.uk to arrange a check.