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May 16, 2023

Frozen pipes: ‘Key signs’ your pipes have frozen and how to unfreeze them

Yellow weather warnings of ice and snow remain in place for parts of the UK

Yellow weather warnings of ice and snow remain in place for parts of the UK until Friday with temperatures likely to plummet below freezing for some areas. Pipes can be put at risk of freezing when they have little water in them and temperatures plummet. The water can then freeze and nothing else can pass through them. With people more concerned than ever about their pipes, technicians from the Harvey Water Softeners team have shared what to do if pipes are frozen, how to prevent frozen pipes and the key signs your pipes have frozen.

Steve Allen, head of technical support at Harvey Water Softeners explains how you can avoid being caught cold by the freezing temperatures.

The water expert said there are "three key signs" that your pipes are frozen.

When turning on the tap, if there's only a small amount of water coming out or no water at all, the pipe leading to that faucet could be frozen.

If there is visible frost on the pipe, this could be a warning that the interior of the pipe is completely frozen.

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When a pipe freezes, the only way the odour can escape is back up the pipe which unfortunately means it can lead to unpleasant smells in the home.

The first thing homeowners need to do is turn off their water stop tap - this can usually be found under the kitchen sink.

Next, turn on all of the cold taps in the house. This will allow water to escape once the pipes start to thaw.

Homeowners then need to start thawing the pipes. Steve explained the best way to do this is by using a hair dryer or a heater.

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He said: "You can use a hair dryer on a low setting or try taking a portable heater to the frozen area.

"You should start at the tap and work back towards the frozen area."

Once thawed, you should check there are no leaks by running a dry cloth along the pipe to see if you mop up any wet patches.

If there are no leaks, turn your water back on at the stop tap.

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There are a few basic ways homeowners can ensure their pipes don't freeze - insulation, using taps regularly, and keeping the heating on.

With an increased cost of living and rising energy bills, many people cannot afford to heat their homes in the same way they used to.

If budgets allow, Steve recommended scheduling the heating to come on at a lower heat earlier during particularly cold points of the day like first thing in the morning, for example.

Insulation is also another key way to prevent pipes from freezing in cold weather.

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Steve said: "While it might sound obvious, insulating your pipes with sponge covers works an absolute treat and it is a small investment compared to the repair costs of a burst water pipe.

"You should be particularly mindful of the pipes in unheated spaces of your home such as the attic on close to outdoor areas."

Giving pipes access to heated air is also "vital" in helping to prevent ice blockages and a build-up of pressure.

Cupboards don't need to be kept permanently open but if possible, open them up before going to bed if temperatures are expected to drop particularly dramatically.