Dealing with frozen water pipes

Finding the frozen pipe

First, check whether your neighbours have water. If they have, it means the water network on the street is OK and it’s more likely your pipe has frozen.

Next, find out exactly where the problem is and isolate it.

Start by turning on every tap in your home.

• If you get water in one area (eg the kitchen) but not in another (eg the bathroom), it’s likely to be an isolated problem.
• If you don’t get water anywhere, it’s more likely it’s the main water pipe to the property that’s frozen.

Find the main stop tap. It’s usually under the kitchen sink or in a utility room closest to where the water supply enters your home. In a bungalow, it may be in the bathroom.

Make sure you turn off the stop tap before thawing a pipe, as the pipe may be broken. Also make sure you turn off any hot water heating systems.

Thawing your pipes

Start at the end nearest the tap. Be careful, as pipes can burst as they thaw.

• Put a hot water bottle on the pipe.
• Use a hairdryer in short bursts – this may take several hours.
• Wrap some towels soaked in hot water around the frozen pipe and then pour more hot (not boiling) water on to the frozen part until it has completely thawed out.

Never use an open flame. This is a serious fire hazard, may expose you to carbon monoxide poisoning and the heat can make the water in the pipe boil and explode.

Once the pipe starts to thaw, you can turn the main water supply back on along with the heating system.

Insulate your pipes to stop it happening again – blankets are a quick solution.

Please note: Avoid using heat on or near your water meter.

If your internal pipes have burst please report this to us as an emergency by calling 0800 131 3348.