How to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter
Winter brings beautiful scenery to West Sussex and Surrey, but it also brings the risk of frozen and burst pipes—one of the most expensive plumbing emergencies you can face. For homeowners across Crawley, Horsham, Redhill, Reigate, Horley, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Brighton, Epsom, and throughout the region, taking preventative action now can save thousands in repair costs.
This comprehensive guide explains why pipes freeze, the warning signs to watch for, and proven methods to protect your plumbing system throughout winter. If you do experience frozen pipes, our emergency plumbing service is here to help (8am-7pm, 7 days a week).
Why Do Pipes Freeze?
Water expands by approximately 9% when it freezes. This expansion creates tremendous pressure inside pipes—enough to burst even metal pipes. The damage typically occurs when a section of pipe freezes solid, creating a blockage. Water pressure builds up between the blockage and a closed tap, and eventually the pipe ruptures.
Pipes most vulnerable to freezing include:
- Outdoor hose taps and pipes
- Pipes in unheated spaces - lofts, garages, outbuildings
- Pipes in exterior walls - especially north-facing walls with little insulation
- Pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks - against cold outside walls
- Pipes in crawl spaces - underneath suspended floors
At What Temperature Do Pipes Freeze?
While water freezes at 0°C, pipes typically don't freeze until the temperature drops below -6°C and stays there for several hours. However, the risk depends on multiple factors:
Risk Factors for Frozen Pipes:
- Outside temperature - Below -3°C significantly increases risk
- Duration of cold - Extended cold snaps are more dangerous than brief frosts
- Wind chill - Wind accelerates heat loss from pipes
- Pipe location - Exposed pipes freeze much faster
- Insulation quality - Poor insulation offers little protection
- Water flow - Still water freezes faster than moving water
- Building heat - Unheated or vacant properties are highest risk
In our region across Crawley, Horsham, and surrounding areas, we typically experience sub-zero temperatures several times each winter. Taking preventative action during cold weather warnings is essential.
10 Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes
1. Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
Wrap exposed pipes with foam pipe insulation (available from any DIY store). Pay special attention to pipes in lofts, garages, and against exterior walls. Quality pipe insulation costs just £10-20 but can prevent thousands in damage.
DIY Difficulty: Easy | Cost: £10-30 | Effectiveness: High
2. Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Taps
Before winter arrives, disconnect garden hoses and drain all outdoor taps. If you have isolation valves for outdoor taps, close them and open the outdoor tap to drain residual water. This is the #1 cause of burst pipes we see each winter in Crawley, Horsham, and across West Sussex.
DIY Difficulty: Easy | Cost: Free | Effectiveness: High
3. Keep Heating On Low
Even when away from home, keep your heating on at a minimum of 12-15°C. This small amount of background heat is far cheaper than repairing burst pipe damage. For extended absences, consider setting heating to come on for a few hours twice daily.
DIY Difficulty: Easy | Cost: £30-50/month heating | Effectiveness: Very High
4. Open Cupboard Doors
During freezing weather, open cupboard doors under sinks, especially those against exterior walls. This allows warmer room air to circulate around pipes. Particularly important in kitchens and bathrooms with plumbing on cold walls.
DIY Difficulty: Easy | Cost: Free | Effectiveness: Medium
5. Let Taps Drip During Extreme Cold
During severe cold snaps (below -6°C), allow cold taps on exterior walls to drip very slightly. Running water is much harder to freeze than standing water. A tiny trickle is sufficient—you don't need a steady stream.
DIY Difficulty: Easy | Cost: Minimal water waste | Effectiveness: High
6. Seal Air Leaks
Check for drafts around pipes entering your home. Seal gaps around pipes with expanding foam or caulk. Pay attention to areas where pipes enter from outside, especially at hose taps, boiler flue areas, and where pipes pass through walls into garages or outbuildings.
DIY Difficulty: Easy | Cost: £5-15 | Effectiveness: Medium
7. Insulate Your Loft Properly
Adequate loft insulation (270mm+) keeps your home warmer and protects pipes. However, remember that good loft insulation makes the loft itself colder! Ensure water tanks and all pipework in the loft are separately insulated. Never insulate under water tanks—heat rising from below helps prevent freezing.
DIY Difficulty: Medium | Cost: £200-650 | Effectiveness: High
8. Service Your Boiler Annually
A well-maintained boiler is less likely to break down during cold snaps when you need it most. Annual servicing identifies potential issues before they become emergencies. Our boiler servicing from £105 includes checks of the entire heating system.
DIY Difficulty: N/A (Professional service) | Cost: £80 | Effectiveness: High
9. Know Your Stopcock Location
Ensure everyone in your household knows where the main stopcock is located and how to turn it off. In a burst pipe emergency, shutting off the water supply quickly minimizes damage. Test your stopcock now—if it's stiff or won't turn, call a plumber to replace it before winter.
DIY Difficulty: Easy | Cost: Free | Effectiveness: Damage Limitation
10. Consider Trace Heating Cable
For pipes in extremely vulnerable locations, electric trace heating cable provides active protection. These cables wrap around pipes and automatically heat when temperatures drop. Particularly useful for pipes that can't be easily insulated or relocated, such as those in exposed locations or mobile homes.
DIY Difficulty: Medium | Cost: £40-130 | Effectiveness: Very High
Warning Signs Your Pipes Are Freezing
Catch freezing pipes early and you may prevent a burst. Watch for these warning signs during cold weather:
- Little to no water flow from taps despite pipes being full
- Strange smell coming from taps or drains (trapped air)
- Frost visible on exposed pipes
- Unusual sounds in pipes (gurgling, banging)
- Toilet tank not refilling or refilling very slowly
- Visible bulging or frost on sections of pipe
If you notice any of these signs, take immediate action. Time is critical—a frozen pipe can burst within hours.
What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze
If you suspect frozen pipes, act quickly but carefully:
Step 1: Turn Off the Water
Shut off the main stopcock immediately. This limits damage if the pipe bursts. Keep the tap open to relieve pressure.
Step 2: Increase Heating
Turn up your heating and open cupboard doors to warm the area around frozen pipes. This may be enough to thaw pipes in early stages of freezing.
Step 3: Locate the Frozen Section
Look for frost on pipes, bulging, or areas that feel colder. The frozen section is usually in exposed areas—lofts, exterior walls, garages.
Step 4: Apply Gentle Heat
If the pipe is accessible and hasn't burst: Apply gentle warmth using towels soaked in warm (not hot) water, a hot water bottle, or a hairdryer on low setting. Work from the tap backwards towards the frozen area. NEVER use blowtorches, naked flames, or high heat—this can burst pipes or cause fires.
Step 5: Call a Professional
If you can't locate the frozen section, can't access it safely, or the pipe has burst, call our emergency plumbing service immediately: 07960 066300. We provide rapid response across Crawley, Horsham, Redhill, and all West Sussex and Surrey areas (8am-7pm, 7 days).
What to Do If a Pipe Bursts
A burst pipe is a plumbing emergency requiring immediate action:
- Turn off the main stopcock immediately
- Turn off your boiler and heating system (if safe to do so)
- Turn off electricity at the mains if water is near electrics
- Open all taps to drain the system and relieve pressure
- Move valuables away from the leak
- Place buckets/containers to catch dripping water
- Mop up water as quickly as possible to minimize damage
- Call emergency plumber: 07960 066300
- Document the damage with photos for insurance
- Contact your insurance company once safe
Our emergency plumbers are available 8am-7pm, 7 days a week, throughout Crawley, Horsham, Redhill, Reigate, Horley, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Brighton, Epsom, and surrounding areas.
Special Considerations for Vacant Properties
If leaving your property empty during winter (holiday homes, buy-to-let between tenancies, extended trips), take extra precautions:
- Consider draining the system completely - Professional plumbers can drain and refill systems (we offer this service)
- Use smart heating controls - WiFi thermostats let you monitor and adjust heating remotely
- Arrange regular property checks - Ask a neighbor or property manager to check weekly
- Set heating to maintain 15°C minimum - Use a timer for economical operation
- Notify your insurance company - Many policies require specific measures for vacant properties
- Install a leak detection system - Smart systems alert you via phone if leaks occur
Professional Plumbing Services Across West Sussex & Surrey
At Mend Your Home, we help homeowners throughout Crawley, Horsham, Redhill, Reigate, Horley, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Brighton, Epsom, and all surrounding areas prepare for winter and respond to frozen pipe emergencies.
Our services include:
- Emergency Plumbing - Rapid response for burst and frozen pipes (8am-7pm, 7 days)
- Pipe Insulation - Professional insulation of vulnerable pipework
- System Draining - Safe draining for vacant properties
- Pipe Repairs and Replacement - Expert repair of burst pipes and water damage
- Boiler Servicing - Keep your heating reliable all winter
- Stopcock Replacement - Replace seized or leaking stopcocks
- Leak Detection - Find hidden leaks quickly
Don't wait until it's too late. Contact us now to winterproof your plumbing system, or call 07960 066300 any time for emergency assistance.
Protect Your Home This Winter
Don't let frozen pipes ruin your winter. Get professional advice and winterproofing services now, or call us for emergency assistance (8am-7pm, 7 days a week).