Frozen pipes are a common problem, particularly during the winter when weather conditions are more extreme
- This commonly occurs in cold un-insulated lofts and garden taps are also prone to freezing
- You may not be aware of the problem until a tap is turned on and no water flows
- The location of the blockage can be traced by following the run of the frozen pipework
- Because copper is a good conductor of heat, you can usually thaw a pipe applying gentle heat such as an electric hair dryer (too much heat, such as a blow lamp or naked flame, can cause damage to the pipework so must be avoided)
- Warm the pipe gradually, working back from the affected tap or valve.
- Treat old lead pipe in the same way, but warm the whole pipe evenly.
- If you cannot use a hairdryer, wrapping the frozen pipe in hot towels can be effective.
- Exposed pipework must be insulated to prevent it freezing again.
- If pipework / tanks in the loft have frozen, please open the loft hatch to allow warm air to enter and thaw
- Locate your mains water stop cock, sometimes a leak will only present itself when the thaw happens
- If, during the thawing process, pipework starts to leak – turn off the water supply at the mains water stop cock
If you need more professional help please contact Dyno-Rod Plumbing & Drains on 0800 524 4364
