How to Fix Freezing Pipe Problems

How to Fix Freezing Pipe Problems

Preventing Frozen Pipes with Proper Insulation

Frozen pipes cause burst pipes, water damage, and costly repairs. This guide shows you how to prevent freezing with proper insulation and what to do if pipes freeze.

Why Pipes Freeze

Water freezes at 0°C. When pipes are exposed to freezing temperatures, water inside expands and can burst the pipe.

High-risk locations: lofts and attics, garages and outbuildings, external walls, unheated basements, outdoor pipes.

Prevention: Proper Insulation

1. Insulate ALL Pipes in Unheated Spaces

• Lofts/attics: 13mm minimum (19mm recommended)
• Garages/outbuildings: 13–19mm
• External walls: 13mm minimum
• Outdoor pipes: 19mm + protective cladding

Material: K-FLEX ST or PE insulation

2. Seal All Joints

Gaps at joints allow cold air to reach pipes. Seal all joints with adhesive or use self-seal tubes.

3. Insulate Valves & Fittings

Don't leave gaps at stop cocks, elbows, or tees. These are common freeze points.

4. Protect Outdoor Pipes

• Use 19mm insulation minimum
• Protect with UV-resistant cladding
• Consider heat trace cable for extreme cold
• Drain pipes if not in use during winter

Additional Freeze Protection

• Maintain heating — Keep minimum 10–15°C in occupied buildings, even when away
• Open loft hatches — Allow warm air to circulate into loft spaces during cold snaps
• Drip taps — During extreme cold, leave taps slightly open to keep water moving
• Drain unused pipes — Turn off supply, drain all pipes, open taps to release pressure
• Heat trace cable — For pipes that can't be insulated adequately; thermostatically controlled (activates below 3–5°C)

Insulation Thickness for Freeze Protection

What to Do If Pipes Freeze

1. Turn off water supply — Locate and turn off the main stop cock immediately
2. Open taps — Open affected taps to relieve pressure as ice melts
3. Thaw pipes slowly — Use a hairdryer on low heat, wrap in warm towels, or increase room temperature gradually. Work from tap towards frozen section. Never use a blowtorch, boiling water, or high heat.
4. Check for leaks — Once thawed, check for cracks, leaking joints, and water damage
5. Call a plumber — If pipes have burst or you can't locate the freeze

Common Mistakes

• Insufficient thickness — 13mm is minimum, not ideal
• Leaving gaps at fittings — valves freeze first
• No outdoor protection — UV degrades insulation
• Turning heating off — pipes freeze when away
• Not draining seasonal pipes — water freezes and bursts pipes

Shop Freeze Protection Insulation

• K-FLEX ST (Standard)
• K-FLEX PE (Domestic)

Related Guides

• Insulation Thickness Selection Guide
• How to Choose Pipe Insulation
• How to Seal Joints

Need freeze protection advice? Contact our technical team for help.