What Causes Water Pipes To Burst During The Winter?

Understanding what causes frozen pipes during the winter is essential for homeowners looking to protect their properties from costly damage. Frozen pipes are a typical winter plumbing issue that can lead to significant inconvenience and expense.

In this blog post, we will explore the causes of frozen water pipes, the implications of winter pipe damage, effective fixes, and preventative measures to ensure your plumbing system remains intact throughout the colder months.

If you suspect that your pipes may be frozen or if you’ve encountered a burst pipe, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our skilled plumbers will assess the situation, perform necessary repairs, and offer expert advice on preventing future occurrences. Call us on 020 8855 0361 or email us at for expert advice or a free, no-obligation quote.

What Causes Water Pipes To Freeze?

The primary cause of frozen water pipes is the drop in temperature during winter months. When temperatures fall below freezing, water inside unprotected pipes can freeze. As water freezes, it expands—this expansion can create immense pressure within the pipe walls, leading to cracks or ruptures. The pressure exerted by frozen water can reach between 25,000 and 120,000 psi, far exceeding what most pipes can withstand.

Certain conditions increase the likelihood of pipe freezing:

• Water freezes inside the pipe: When temperatures drop, water inside pipes can freeze, turning into ice.
• Ice expansion increases pressure: Ice takes up more space than liquid water, creating pressure inside the pipe.
• Weak points crack or burst: If the pressure becomes too high and has nowhere to go, it can cause the pipe to crack or burst, leading to leaks and flooding.
• Poor insulation: Pipes in unheated or poorly insulated areas (attics, basements, garages) are more likely to freeze.
• Sudden temperature drops: Extreme cold snaps can freeze pipes quickly.
• Still water in pipes: If water isn’t flowing (e.g., unused taps), it freezes more quickly.
• Material and age of pipes: Older or weaker pipes are more prone to damage from freezing.

Winter Pipe Damage And Its Consequences

When a pipe bursts due to freezing, the consequences can be severe. The aftermath often includes:

• Flooding: Once a pipe bursts, water can flood the surrounding area, potentially damaging flooring, walls, and personal belongings.
• Mould growth: Excess moisture from a burst pipe creates an environment conducive to mould growth, which poses health risks and requires expensive remediation.
• High repair costs: Repairing a burst pipe can be substantial; insurance claims for such incidents average around £7,500 in the UK.

What To Do If You Encounter Frozen Pipes

If you suspect that your pipes have frozen, it’s crucial to act quickly:

• Shut off water supply: Immediately turn off the main water supply to prevent further flooding if a pipe bursts.
• Thawing frozen pipes: Use a hair dryer or heat gun on low settings to gently warm the affected area. Never use an open flame, as this poses a fire hazard.
• Call for professional help: If you’re unable to locate or thaw the frozen section yourself, it’s advisable to contact plumber services for assistance.

How To Prevent Winter Plumbing Issues

To avoid the stress and expense associated with bursting of frozen pipes, homeowners should take proactive steps in their winter home maintenance routine:

• Insulate pipes: Use foam insulation or lagging on exposed pipes in unheated areas. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of freezing.
• Maintain indoor temperature: Keep your home heated above 55°F (around 13°C) during cold spells to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Let the tap drip: Allowing a small trickle of water to flow through the tap can help relieve pressure in the system and prevent freezing.
• Seal drafts: Check for draughts near windows and doors that may affect uninsulated areas where pipes are located.

How To Fix A Burst Pipe?

In cases where a pipe has already burst, prompt action is necessary:

• Assess the damage: Determine how much damage has occurred and whether there is any immediate flooding.
• Call a plumber: Engage professional plumber services for repairs. They have the expertise and tools needed for effective pipe burst repair.
• Prevent future issues: After repairs, consider implementing preventative measures discussed earlier to avoid future occurrences.

Emergency Plumbing Winter Tips You Must Follow

During winter months, having a plan in place for emergency plumbing situations is vital:

• Know your stop tap location: Familiarise yourself with where your stop tap is located so you can quickly turn off the water supply if needed.
• Keep emergency numbers handy: Have contact information for local plumber services readily available for quick emergency access.
• Regular maintenance checks: Schedule routine plumbing system inspections before winter sets in to identify potential vulnerabilities.

Let The Experts From Platinum Plumbers Help You With Pipe Repairs

At Platinum Plumbers, we understand that plumbing issues, especially during the winter season, are too common. Here’s why you should choose us for all your plumbing needs:

• Expertise you can trust: Our team comprises City & Guilds qualified professionals with extensive experience handling winter plumbing issues and emergency repairs.
• Prompt response time: We pride ourselves on our quick response times. When you call us with an emergency, we’ll be there as soon as possible to mitigate damage.
• Comprehensive services: From frozen pipe repair to routine maintenance checks, we offer a full range of plumbing services tailored to your needs.
• Customer satisfaction guaranteed: We prioritise our customers’ needs and strive for excellence in every job we undertake. Your satisfaction is our top priority!
• Preventative solutions: We don’t just fix problems; we help you prevent them from occurring in the first place with expert advice and tailored solutions.

At Platinum Plumbers, we specialise in providing expert plumber services tailored to meet your needs during winter months and beyond. Whether you require assistance with frozen pipe repair or general plumbing maintenance, our team is here to help ensure your home remains safe and functional throughout the year.

To ensure your plumbing system is protected this winter, don’t hesitate to ask for expert advice and assistance—your home deserves the best care. Call us on 020 8855 0361 or email us at for expert advice.