How to Prevent Frozen Pipes & Maintain Your Plumbing This Winter
, by TradeHut Direct, 6 min reading time
Frozen Pipes, Insulation & Drainage
Winter is the most challenging time for plumbing systems. Not only is it a good time to ensure the inner workings of your house are functioning properly, but freezing temperatures can often wreak havoc on your pipes. Possibly leading to bursts, leaks, and costly repairs, it's always better to be safe than sorry.
The key to avoiding these things is a mixture of our two favourite words here at THD - Preparation and Prevention.
Using the right parts and materials to safeguard your plumbing will save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
Below you'll find a guide exploring practical tips for preventing frozen pipes and maintaining your plumbing this winter, alongside highlighting must-buys from John Guest and McAlpine, who both offer renowned high-quality plumbing solutions to fix or refresh your home's foundations.
1. How Frozen Pipes Occur - Signs To Look Out For
In confined spaces like pipes in particular, substances like water can not just freeze over, but small amounts of ice can also expand. This type of expansion can create immense pressure throughout, eventually leading to cracks or bursts. The ensuing damage caused by these burst pipes isn’t just inconvenient— but it can lead to expensive repairs, water waste, and damage to your home.
You now may be asking "Are my pipes frozen?" - Well here are some telltale signs you may have frozen pipes:
- Lack of or less than normal water flow from faucets.
- Visible frost on exposed pipes.
- Unusual odours from drains (caused by stuck, stagnant water).
2. The Importance of Pipe Insulation
Having proper insulation is the best form of first-line defence against frozen pipes. Particularly in vulnerable areas, like those that are located in unheated spaces such as basements, cellars or lofts.
How to Insulate Pipes
- Use pipe foam to clothe exposed pipes.
- Apply special "heat tape" to pipes in icy areas for added protection.
- Seal gaps or cracks in walls near pipes to prevent cold air from reaching them. Products from Ronseal & Toupret are great for this.
John Guest Underfloor
John Guest in particular doesn't just offer push-fit pipe fittings, but also a specialist Underfloor range which streamlines pipe insulation and pipe repairs.
Shop John Guest Underfloor range now
3. Keep Your Home Heated
If you can afford it, having a consistent indoor temperature can go a long way in protecting your pipes. When you’re not home, ensure your thermostat stays above at least 10°C (50°F) to prevent freezing. Your energy bills may be a little higher but - especially in large and draughty houses - it will minimise the likelihood of any pipe-related issues in the long run.
Additional Tips:
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
- Close doors around the house where possible, especially your front door, back door and/or any garage door(s).
4. Flush Out Your Water Heater
Sediments and dregs can contribute to buildup in your water heater. which is guaranteed to reduce efficiency. Especially during winter, when it’s working harder to supply hot water. Flushing your water heater removes this buildup and ensures it operates efficiently without interruption.
5. Regularly Check for Leaks or Weak Spots
Before the temperature drops even further, be sure to inspect your plumbing system for leaks, corrosion, or weak spots. Even minor issues can escalate during winter when pipes are under more pressure.
If you do happen to find any leaks and want to avoid soldering or choosing between adhesives, both John Guest and FloPlast offer push-fit fittings, which provide an easy and reliable DIY solution for quick repairs.
6. Be Sure To Check & Drain Outdoor Plumbing
Outdoor faucets and garden hoses are often overlooked but are some of the most vulnerable areas of your plumbing system.
What to do:
- Drain then disconnect your garden hose.
- Shut off outdoor water supply valves.
- Use anti-freeze/frost-proof faucet covers like this for extra protection
7. Allow Your Taps Slightly Drip
It may seem strange if this isn't a method you've heard before, but letting cold water taps drip slightly during extreme cold (around -6° degrees) relieves pressure in the system and keeps water moving, making it less likely to freeze.
This simple trick is handy for pipes located on exterior walls or in unheated spaces.
8. Install a Pipe Heater or Heating Cable
For pipes that are particularly prone to freezing, such as those in basements or exterior walls, installing an electric pipe heater or heating cable can be a game-changer.
Make sure the product is rated for your specific type of pipe (PVC, copper, etc.) and follow all safety guidelines.
9. McAlpine for Effective Drainage & Leak Prevention
Alongside threatening water supply pipes; drainage systems can also freeze or become clogged. McAlpine’s traps and drainage solutions are designed to prevent blockages and maintain proper water flow even in harsh conditions.
Why McAlpine Products Stand Out:
- High-quality materials ensure durability and resistance to extreme temperatures.
- Their innovative traps reduce the likelihood of freezing in drain systems.
Consider installing anti-siphon traps from McAlpine to keep wastewater systems functioning smoothly during winter.
Shop the full McAlpine range here.
10. DIY Solutions & Emergency Fixes
Despite your best efforts, frozen pipes can still happen. Having a plan in place ensures you can act quickly:
- Use a hair dryer or space heater to thaw frozen pipes (never use an open flame).
- Know where your main water shutoff valve is located to minimize damage in case of a burst.
- Keep contact information for a trusted plumber handy.
Last but not least..
Winter-proofing your plumbing may seem like a hassle, but it’s a lot easier (and cheaper) than dealing with burst pipes or blocked drains. By using products from trusted brands like John Guest and McAlpine and following the tips outlined above, you can keep your plumbing system in top condition all winter long.
Need the best products to prepare for winter? Browse TradeHut Direct for the very best drainage solutions and other essential winter plumbing tools. Stay warm and stay prepared!