These 6 steps can prevent frozen pipes this winter as London sees first snow

Rebecca McCulloch
·2-min read
frozen pipe
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


As the temperature continues to drop, the chance of your pipes freezing could be all the more likely. And, whilst a frozen pipe is bad, a burst one is much worse and can lead to water damage, mould and spiralling utility bills.

Luckily, there are plenty of simple ways to prevent this from happening when it reaches sub-zero. According to EDF Energy, the quickest way to avoid issues is to not switch off your heating during Winter.

Instead, you should set your thermostat to around 7C to ensure there is a little bit of warmth flowing at all times. The energy company also recommend insulating your water tank and pipes, particularly those outside and in cold spots of your house.

READ MORE: Notoriously dangerous Central London junction where man died has new black cab rules agreed in trial

READ MORE: New Met Office weather map shows 50% chance of snow in London next week

You can buy fairly cheap pipe lagging and tank covers from most DIY stores and fit them yourself for free. If you have pipes in cupboards or unheated attics, you should open the door/hatch during icy spells to allow warm air from the rest of the house to circulate and keep the chill off.

It's also important to to turn your taps on and off every day to avoid ice forming. British Gas urge people to repair any leaking and drippy taps as well as failing to do so can cause frozen drains and overflowing sinks.

Lastly, you need to switch off your water at the stopcock before heading anywhere for Christmas or New Year. You can also choose to drain your system completely by running taps until they're completely empty.

6 tell-tale signs of frozen pipes

Despite our best efforts, the weather is unpredictable and things can still go wrong. Here's six things to look out for if you think your pipes might be frozen:

  • There is little to no water flowing from your taps or shower

  • You have exposed pipes that look frosty or damp

  • There are weird sounds, such as banging or whistling, when you flush the toilet or run a tap.

  • There are wet patches or rings on your walls and ceilings.

  • Your pipe appears to have a bulge or crack in it

  • There is a foul smell coming from your drain

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