Act fast to prevent burst pipes and minimise damage. Shut off water supply at stopcock inside your house BUT make sure you leave taps on so water can escape once it thaws.
Thaw exposed frozen pipes using a hairdryer on a low setting or a towel soaked in water. Start at the tap and work towards the frozen area so thawed water can flow out freely.
Once everything is thawed, check for leaks before turning the water back on.
If you have a leak or having repeated trouble with frozen pipes, call a registered plumber. Find one at ciphe.org.uk or call 01708 472791.
To prevent pipes freezing, ensure exposed pipes and storage systems are properly insulated, especially in the roof space or loft. Foam insulation is available from DIY stores. In the short term, improvise with roof insulation.
If you have a storage cistern in the roof space, open the loft hatch to allow some heat from the house to rise to help keep the cistern from freezing.
If you are going away during a cold spell, leave the thermostat set low (at most 5 C).
If a pipe bursts, stop water running past the point of the leak by turning off the water supply via the stopcock. This will buy you some time to contact a professional.
Source: In Good Housekeeping, Nov, 2019.
Once everything is thawed, check for leaks before turning the water back on.
If you have a leak or having repeated trouble with frozen pipes, call a registered plumber. Find one at ciphe.org.uk or call 01708 472791.
To prevent pipes freezing, ensure exposed pipes and storage systems are properly insulated, especially in the roof space or loft. Foam insulation is available from DIY stores. In the short term, improvise with roof insulation.
If you have a storage cistern in the roof space, open the loft hatch to allow some heat from the house to rise to help keep the cistern from freezing.
If you are going away during a cold spell, leave the thermostat set low (at most 5 C).
If a pipe bursts, stop water running past the point of the leak by turning off the water supply via the stopcock. This will buy you some time to contact a professional.
Source: In Good Housekeeping, Nov, 2019.
