DIY and how to guides
A frozen pipe can cause a whole lot of problems. If you think your pipes might have frozen, you’ll need to defrost them as soon as possible. It’s really important that you do it properly though, or you could end up making things a lot worse!
To keep frozen pipes at bay, it’s a good idea to keep your house nice and warm year-round. You can do this by putting the heating on regularly through winter, keeping all interior doors open and disconnecting garden hoses when you’ve finished using them.
If your pipe bursts, turn off the water in your home immediately and report an emergency repair.
If you do have a frozen pipe, get things flowing again with these simple steps:
Find your cold water stop tap and turn off your water first. Then it’s time to figure out which pipe is frozen. Turn on the taps in your home - if water isn’t coming out properly then that means the pipe that leads to the tap is frozen. If you can see any pipes (for example, under the sink) you might be able to see if they’re frozen by checking if they’re frosty or bulging where the ice is. If you can see and reach the pipe, it’s usually easier to unfreeze than a pipe hidden behind a wall.
If the pipe leading to the taps is frozen then turn those taps on. That will let the water out once the ice in the pipe starts to melt.
To thaw a pipe that you can see and reach, you can thaw it by using a hairdryer or hot towels. Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or work from behind the blockage. Start near the tap and work your way backwards to the frozen bit. This will help stop pressure building up behind the frozen blockage instead as it warms up.
To thaw a pipe that you can’t get to, try turning up the heating in your home and waiting for it to warm up.
If this doesn’t work then you’ll need to call in a professional plumber as soon as possible.
These terms of use were created by our lovely legal team. This might mean there’s more legal terminology in here than you would expect from us. If you have any questions, we’d be happy to help. Get in touch at communications@homegroup.org.uk
The content provided is for informational purposes only. You understand that the content does not recommend any particular course of action and is provided strictly as guidance and you should independently check the content and seek further advice. We shall not be liable for any errors, inaccuracies or delays in any content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance on the content. You expressly agree that your use of the content is at your sole risk. We cannot ensure that any content you download will be free from viruses or contamination. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we expressly disclaim any representation or warranties, express or implied, including without limitation, any representations or warranties of performance, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy, completeness, reliability and non-infringement. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we disclaim all responsibility for any loss, injury, claim, liability or damage of any kind resulting from your access of or any use whatsoever of the content.
Tell us about the problem you’d like to fix using our simple online decision tool.
I need to fix an issue
Emergencies are situations that are potentially dangerous or a serious risk to health. Find out how to contact us in an emergency.
Emergency informationHelp us improve our website. Did you find this web page useful?
Thank you for your anonymous feedback about our website. If you need help with a non-website issue please use our get in touch option.