When the temperature drops below freezing, the water in your pipes can freeze too. As ice forms, it expands, and that can split a pipe. You often don't find out until it thaws and water starts pouring through the ceiling. The good news is that a burst pipe is one of the easiest winter problems to prevent. Here's how to stop your pipes freezing, and what to do if they do.

How to stop your pipes freezing

The Consumer Council for Water (2018) recommends these simple steps:

  1. Insulate your pipes and water tanks. Pipe lagging is cheap and easy to fit. Focus on pipes in cold spots, like the loft, garage and under the floor.
  2. Find your stop tap. Being able to turn the water off quickly could save a lot of damage. It's often under the kitchen sink, but not always.
  3. Protect outside taps. Insulate them, or turn them off at their own stop tap and drain the water out.
  4. Fix dripping taps and overflows. A build-up of ice can cause a blockage.
  5. Save a good plumber's number. You'll want help quickly if something goes wrong. The WaterSafe website lists approved plumbers.
  6. Keep the heating on low if you go away. Set it to come on at least once a day.
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Where is my stop tap? Look under the kitchen sink first, then in a downstairs toilet, the airing cupboard or under the stairs. Once you've found it, check it turns. A stiff stop tap is no use in an emergency.

What to do if a pipe freezes

If you turn on a tap and nothing comes out on a freezing morning, a pipe may be frozen. The Consumer Council for Water (2018) advises:

  • Turn off the water at the stop tap.
  • Turn on the nearest cold tap, so water can escape when the pipe thaws.
  • Don't turn on hot taps until the central heating is switched off.
  • Move anything valuable that could be damaged if the pipe bursts as it thaws.
  • Check the pipes you can see for damage or signs of freezing.
  • Thaw it gently with a hot water bottle or a hot, wet towel. Never use a naked flame or boiling water.
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If a pipe bursts: turn off the stop tap straight away. If water is near electrics, switch off the electricity at the fuse box if it's safe to do so. Call a plumber, and take photos of the damage for your insurer.

Who is responsible for a burst pipe?

  • Inside your home: pipes inside your home are usually your responsibility. If you rent, tell your landlord straight away. It's worth checking your landlord has lagged the pipes.
  • Your supply pipe: the pipe that brings water from the boundary of your property is usually your responsibility too. If you think it's leaking, contact your water company. Many will help find the leak.
  • Insurance: check your buildings and contents insurance covers "escape of water", and what the excess is.
Burst pipe: who to call
Quick guide
ProblemWho to call
Pipe burst inside your homeWho to callA plumber, then your insurer
Leak on your water supply pipeWho to callYour water company
You rent your homeWho to callYour landlord or letting agent
Water near electricsWho to callTurn off at the fuse box, then call an electrician
Source: Consumer Council for Water (2018)

Your frozen pipes checklist

  • Lag pipes in the loft, garage and other cold spots.
  • Insulate your water tank.
  • Find and test your stop tap.
  • Drain or cover outside taps.
  • Fix dripping taps.
  • Save a plumber's number in your phone.
  • Keep the heating on low when you're away.
  • Check the Met Office weather warnings when a cold snap is on the way.
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Get your home winter-ready. Planna's HomeScore checks your home's safety, condition and energy, and sets seasonal tasks like lagging pipes and servicing your boiler, so nothing gets missed. Keep your plumber's details and insurance documents in the Planna app.

Frozen pipes: quick answers

At what temperature do pipes freeze?
Water freezes at 0°C, so pipes in cold, unheated spaces are at risk whenever it's below freezing outside.

Should I leave the heating on to stop pipes freezing?
If you're away during cold weather, leave it on low and set it to come on at least once a day (Consumer Council for Water, 2018).

Can I use a hairdryer to thaw a frozen pipe?
It's safer to use a hot water bottle or a hot, wet towel. Never use a naked flame or boiling water (Consumer Council for Water, 2018).

Does home insurance cover burst pipes?
Most buildings and contents policies cover "escape of water", but check your policy and excess.

For more ways to protect your home this winter, see how to protect your home in a storm and our home maintenance guides. Whatever your next move, see how Planna can help at every stage of your home journey.

References

Consumer Council for Water (2018) Don't give water pipes the cold shoulder as temperatures plummet. Available at: https://www.ccw.org.uk/news/dont-give-water-pipes-the-cold-shoulder-as-temperatures-plummet/ (Accessed: 9 November 2026).

Met Office (n.d.) UK weather warnings. Available at: https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings (Accessed: 9 November 2026).