Freezing weather banner

What to do if your pipes have frozen

 

If the pipes in your home have frozen, just follow these quick steps to help prevent or limit any damage. Watch our short video, or see the steps shown below.



Download the help guide (PDF format)

In order to view our Handy Guides videos, you need to have Javascript and Flash enabled in your web browser. Please check that Javascript and Flash are enabled and refresh the page to continue.

Steps to take





Image of number Step one

Ok. First things first – turn the water off, drain the system and leave the taps open. 		Image of tap
Image of hairdryer
Image of number Step two

A good way to thaw out frozen pipes is to use a hairdryer. Just run the hairdryer up and down the pipes a section at a time. If you’ve found a leak, put something underneath to collect water. Only use a hairdryer when safe to - being very careful if near water. If the pipe is damaged, the water could spray up and cause electrocution.

Image of number Step three

If you'd rather, you could use a hot water bottle tied to the pipes with a towel. But whatever you do, don't use a naked flame like a blow torch to thaw your pipes as you could cause some serious damage.		 Image of hot water bottle
Image of stopcock
Image of number Step four

If your pipes thaw and they don’t seem to be damaged, slowly open your stopcock until water starts running through the taps again. Then you can turn your taps off.

Image of number Step five

If your pipes have burst and you need help, call our helpline on 0845 603 3590 and our team will talk you through what to do.		 Image of phone


Freezing Weather Emergency How to claim

Find out how to drain a waterlogged ceiling if a frozen pipe has burst

Waterlogged Ceiling

Find out how to claim if your home's been damaged
by a storm this winter

How to claim