Frozen pipes

Q: How can I prevent my pipes freezing or bursting in winter?

A: You can reduce the risk by repairing leaking taps and fittings, and lagging external water pipes. Also, check that your hot water cylinder vent pipes aren't susceptible to getting iced up. This means you may have to lag all of the vent pipe if it is out through the roof. Also, if you have a relief valve at the end of the vent pipe, make sure the valve is pointing down so it can't be blocked with a plug of ice.

Keeping the house warm in winter is a good way to help avoid frozen pipes. As most homes now have ceiling insulation, all plumbing pipework and header tanks in the attic should be insulated if you have any chance of frost. In alpine or severe frost areas, lagging with a small heating element running through it should be considered. These usually use around 15 watts of electricity but keep pipework from freezing. Running costs are very small compared with the price of repairing the damage caused if freezing pipes burst.

If your pipes do become frozen, turn off the water supply at the street and call your Master Plumber.