7 November 2026 · 2 min read · By the Plumbees team
London winters are often mild, but a sharp cold snap can still catch homes out, particularly pipes in lofts, outbuildings, garages and unheated rooms. Water expands as it freezes, and that pressure can split a pipe. The damage often shows up when the ice thaws.
Prevention
- Insulate pipes and tanks in lofts, garages and cellars with proper lagging
- Fix dripping taps, which can freeze more easily
- Keep the property at a low background temperature if you are away
- Know where your stopcock is so that you can turn the water off quickly
- Disconnect garden hoses and insulate or cover outside taps
Signs that a pipe has frozen
- No water, or only a trickle, from a tap
- A toilet cistern that will not refill
- Frost on an exposed pipe
- Unusual gurgling noises
What to do if you think a pipe is frozen
- Turn off the water at the stopcock.
- Open the affected tap so that water can escape as the ice melts.
- Thaw the pipe gently, starting from the tap end, using a hot water bottle, warm towels or a hairdryer on a low setting.
- Never use a naked flame or a blowtorch. It is a fire risk and can damage the pipe.
- Once the water flows, turn the supply back on slowly and check for leaks.
When to call a plumber
If you cannot find the frozen section, if the pipe is bulging or split, or if water has started to leak, call a plumber. Splits are often hidden behind walls or under floors and appear only as the ice melts. Our guide to leaks and burst pipes explains how we trace and repair them.
If you are going away over winter, ask a friend to check the property, or consider draining down the system. We can advise on what is sensible for your home.