Frozen pipes are one of the most preventable plumbing emergencies we deal with across Woking and Surrey. Every winter, we attend burst pipe callouts that could have been avoided with a few simple precautions. Here's exactly what to do before the temperature drops.
Keep your heating on low
During cold spells, keep your heating set to a minimum of 13°C — even if you're away. A timer set to come on for short periods morning and evening is better than leaving the property with no heat at all.
Insulate pipes in vulnerable locations
Loft spaces, garages, outbuildings and external walls are the highest-risk areas. Foam pipe lagging is inexpensive and easy to fit around exposed pipework. Pay particular attention to the loft — this is where most frozen pipes occur in Surrey homes.
Know where your stopcock is
Your stopcock should be easy to reach and operable in an emergency. Test it every year — stopcocks that aren't used regularly can seize. If yours is stiff or difficult to operate, have it replaced before it fails in an emergency.
Insulate your outdoor tap
Outdoor taps are highly susceptible to freezing. Fit an outdoor tap cover (available from hardware stores) before winter, or isolate and drain the outdoor tap supply from inside the property.
Let warm air circulate
In very cold weather, open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warm room air to circulate around the pipes. This is especially useful for pipes on external walls.
Service your boiler annually
A boiler that fails during cold weather leaves your home without heating — which rapidly leads to frozen pipes. Annual boiler servicing identifies and prevents failures before they happen.
Check your loft insulation
Good loft insulation keeps heat in your living space — but that also means the loft itself is colder. Pipes in the loft need to be insulated independently, as they won't benefit from heat rising from below.
Leave a tap slightly dripping overnight
In extremely cold forecasted nights, leaving a cold tap very slightly dripping keeps water moving through the pipes, making it much harder for a freeze to occur.
If a Pipe Does Freeze
Act carefully — a frozen pipe hasn't burst yet, but the thaw is when damage happens:
Frozen Pipe FAQs
What is the minimum temperature to prevent frozen pipes?
Most plumbers recommend keeping your home above 13°C to prevent pipes from freezing. In extremely cold conditions (-10°C or below), consider raising this to 15–16°C, particularly if you have pipes in the loft or garage.
What should I do if I think a pipe is frozen?
Do not try to thaw it with a blowtorch or open flame — this can damage the pipe and create a fire risk. Apply gentle warmth with a hairdryer, hot water bottle, or warm towels to the frozen section, working from the tap end back. Have your stopcock location ready in case the pipe bursts when it thaws. Call us if you're unsure.
Can I leave my property empty in winter without worrying about frozen pipes?
Yes — but take precautions. Drain down the system entirely (turn off the mains, open all taps until dry), or keep the heating on low (13°C minimum) with a frost thermostat. Ask a neighbour to check the property regularly.
Are older Surrey homes more at risk of frozen pipes?
Yes. Older Surrey properties often have less loft insulation, original single-skin external walls, and pipework run in locations (lofts, external wall cavities) that weren't designed with modern insulation standards in mind. Annual insulation checks are recommended.
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