Preventing Frozen Pipes and Bursts in the Winter
Did you know that the most common cause of water damage in the UK is from burst water pipes. Frozen pipes and the resulting bursts can cause extensive damage to homes, particularly during the cold winter months. Taking precautions can help prevent such incidents.
Causes of Frozen Pipes and Bursts
Cold weather is the leading cause of frozen pipes, long periods of freezing temperatures can cause water in exposed pipes to freeze and expand. When the weather warms up again frozen pipes will thaw and expand, bringing a higher risk of them bursting.
Burst pipes, however, are not confined to winter. Corroded pipes, poor installation, and leaks in appliances or boilers can cause water damage throughout the year.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Preventing frozen pipes is often straightforward and involves maintaining a constant temperature in your home. Here are some essential steps to protect your property:
Turn Off the Water Supply
If you are going to be away from home during really cold weather, turn off your water supply at the stopcock. If you are unsure how to do this, you can get advice here. Knowing the location of the stopcock and ensuring that everyone who might need to access it is informed, can significantly reduce water damage in the event of a burst. Find out more about stopcocks here.
As part of The Guinness Partnership, we also provide advice through helpful how-to-videos that demonstrate the process step-by-step. These video tutorials explain simple DIY repairs, making these tasks easy and safe.
Keep Your Home as Warm as Possible
While turning off the heating may seem like an economical choice, it exposes your pipes to freezing temperatures. Instead, leave the heating on at a minimum of 15°C – 18°C, even if you’re going to be away from home. This ensures that the water within the pipes does not freeze. If you’re worried about the costs of heating our Energy advice officers may be able to help in reducing fuel bills and accessing available funding – find out more here.
Encourage Air Circulation
In unheated spaces like lofts and cupboards, allowing warm air to circulate can help prevent frozen pipes. Keep doors open in these areas to let warmth from heated parts of the home reach vulnerable pipes.
Fix Leaky Taps
Contrary to popular belief, leaving a tap dripping does not prevent pipes from freezing. Leaking taps can cause drains to freeze, leading to an overflow. Repair any persistent drips to avoid this issue. If you are unsure how to fix a leaky tap watch our Guinness Partnership's video guide here.
What to do if your pipes freeze
If you suspect your pipes have frozen, the following steps can help minimise damage:
Turn Off the Water Supply
Turning off the supply at the stopcock will help prevent flooding, reduces the risk of bursting, and simplifies repairs. By containing any melting ice as the pipe thaws, it stops water from rushing through a damaged pipe, preventing immediate flooding if a burst occurs. Lower pressure in the frozen pipe also lessens the chance of it bursting as it thaws, and if a break does happen, having the water off makes it easier and safer to inspect and repair.
Check for Leaks
Inspect visible pipes for frost, ice, or bulging. If you see any cracks or issues, contact us immediately on 020 8996 4200 to report a repair or raise a repair via our Customer Portal online by clicking on the Raise a Repair tile.
Thaw Pipes Slowly
Thaw frozen pipes slowly by putting a hot water bottle or a thick cloth soaked in hot water over the frozen pipe, start at the end nearest the tap and work away from it. Never use a naked flame such as blowtorches, as this could cause further damage.
Inspect the Boiler
If your boiler stops working in freezing conditions, check the condensate pipe for ice blockages and thaw it using warm water. Ensure your boiler is regularly serviced to avoid breakdowns during cold spells.
You can learn more about getting your boiler ready for the winter, here.
If you have a leak which cannot be contained
If a burst pipe occurs, quick action can limit damage:
Turn Off the Water Supply
Immediately shut off the water at the stopcock to prevent flooding if a pipe bursts. If you are unsure how to do this, you can get advice here.
As part of The Guinness Partnership, we also provide advice through our helpful how-to-videos that demonstrate the process step-by-step.
Drain the System
Open all taps (in both your kitchen and bathroom) and flush toilets to drain the system quickly.
Protect Possessions
Move valuable items away from the area of the burst and mop up excess water.
Report the Leak
If you have a water leak in your home:
- turn off the water at the main stopcock and call us on 0800 9170839 (Freephone) or 020 8996 4200.
Professional help might be needed to repair the pipe and restore the water supply safely. Before you raise a repair we have a range of how-to videos that address common issues around your home. These videos are designed to help you resolve minor problems on your own like fixing a frozen condensate pipe or how to contain a water leak.
If the videos don’t resolve the problem you’re facing, please refer to our Repairs Responsibilities guide to determine the next steps. If the issue is our responsibility, you can contact us on 020 8996 4200 or Report a Repair online.
Soak Up
Block off escaping water with thick towels.
Switch Off any Nearby Electrics
If the water has leaked near your electrics or into any electrical appliances, switch them off at the mains.
Turn off taps once the pipework is repaired to avoid further flooding.
Can a Burst Pipe Lead to Damp and Mould?
Burst pipes can significantly increase the risk of mould growth, especially during colder months. The water from a burst pipe can cause damp areas within a property, creating ideal conditions for mould to develop and spread. Left untreated, this can lead to serious health risks and structural damage. For more information on preventing and managing damp and mould, please visit our dedicated page, here.
Contact Us
If you think there’s an issue or need support, get in touch.
About Shepherds Bush Housing Association
Part of The Guinness Partnership, we have more than 5000 homes, throughout nine boroughs in west London