How to Stop Your Pipes from Freezing This Winter
The ultimate guide to winterising your plumbing
With summer officially behind us and winter creeping in, it’s time to get your home ready for the colder months. One of the most important things to think about is protecting your pipes from freezing. When pipes freeze, it can lead to bursting, which means expensive repairs and a lot of stress. Luckily, there are easy steps you can take to prevent that from happening. Let’s break it down, step by step, and get your home winter-ready.
1. Insulate exposed pipes properly
Exposed pipes, especially those in places like your basement, loft, or garage, are prime candidates for freezing.
The good news? Wrapping them up with foam insulation or pipe sleeves is a quick fix. Don’t forget the pipes running along exterior walls too—they’re most at risk! For an added layer of protection, you could even use heating tape, which gives off warmth to keep the pipes above freezing.
Some spots to check:
- Basement and crawl space pipes
- Garage and attic pipes
- Pipes along exterior walls
- Under the kitchen or bathroom sinks
2. Protect your garden taps
We often forget about those outdoor garden taps (hose bibs), but they’re super vulnerable once the temperature drops. Any leftover water in them can freeze, expand, and cause the pipe to burst. To prevent this, disconnect any hoses and make sure you drain the taps. Then, cover them with insulated tap covers, which you can find at most hardware stores. Want even more peace of mind? Swap your regular tap for a frost-free model, which drains any remaining water so you don’t have to worry about it freezing.
Here are some useful links to tap covers:
3.Watch those exterior wall pipes
One of the most commonly overlooked areas in the home is the plumbing in exterior walls, especially those running to sinks in the kitchen or bathroom. These pipes are often exposed to freezing air, especially if they are near poorly insulated walls. To prevent these pipes from freezing, you can insulate the wall itself or, more practically, the pipes inside. If you notice drafts near these walls, sealing gaps and ensuring proper insulation can make a huge difference. On exceptionally cold nights, opening the cabinet doors under the sink can allow warm indoor air to circulate around the pipes.
To protect plumbing near exterior walls, consider:
- Sealing any gaps or drafts near plumbing
- Adding insulation to walls where pipes are located
- Opening cabinet doors to increase airflow
4. Prevent condensate pipes from freezing
The condensate drainage pipe is a plastic pipe, typically grey or white, connected to the bottom of your boiler.
If you have a boiler, one of the most at-risk components is the condensate pipe. This pipe removes condensation from your boiler, but because it often runs outside the home, it’s highly vulnerable to freezing. If the condensate pipe freezes, it can cause your boiler to shut down. To prevent this, make sure the pipe is properly insulated with foam insulation or lagging. You could also reroute the pipe to discharge indoors or increase the pipe diameter to reduce the likelihood of freezing. Some homeowners also install a condensate pump to help with water flow, decreasing the chances of ice formation.
5. Let your taps drip
When it’s extremely cold outside, letting a small trickle of water flow from your taps can help prevent the pipes from freezing. This keeps the water moving, which makes it harder to freeze. This is especially helpful for pipes in unheated areas like the basement or garage, or those along exterior walls. Another easy trick is to open up cabinets under your sinks to let warm air reach the pipes. Just a little bit of airflow can make a big difference!
And If It's Too Late for Prevention...
Oops! If you’re already dealing with a frozen tap or pipe, don’t panic—it’s fixable! Here’s what you can do:
- Turn off the water supply
-to the affected pipe to prevent flooding in case the pipe bursts.
- Thaw the pipe gradually
You can use a hairdryer, space heater, or warm towels to slowly apply heat to the frozen section. Start from the tap and work your way back to avoid pressure build-up.
- Never use an open flame
-(like a blowtorch) to thaw the pipe—it’s dangerous and can damage the pipe.
- Keep the tap open
-while thawing, so as the ice melts, it has somewhere to go
Still got brain-freeze? Chat with Wilsons today.
Winter is right around the corner, so now is the time to get your plumbing ready. Frozen pipes can cause major headaches and cost a lot to fix, but with these simple steps, you can avoid the hassle. If you’re not sure where to start or need a hand, Wilsons has got you covered. We’re experts in all things heating and plumbing, from pipe insulation to emergency repairs. Don’t wait until the freeze hits—get your home winter-ready with Wilsons today!
Ready to find out more? Contact us today to discuss your options and let Wilsons help you stay warm all year round!
