With the Met Office issuing widespread weather warnings for snow, ice and sub-zero temperatures across the UK as we move into 2026, there is no better time to check in on your home to ensure it’s ready for winter weather.
It is also a good idea to understand how cold conditions, like snow and ice, can cause damage to not only your plumbing but also your heating system. The Met Office has a yellow weather warning in place for ice across most of the country on 7 January.
What damage can ice cause to your plumbing and heating?
The most obvious issue that colder temperatures cause is frozen pipes. As water expands when it freezes, there is a risk that a pipe can burst while it’s frozen. Even if the pipe doesn’t burst, ice can still cause a leak and potentially considerable damage to your home and possessions.
According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), insurance firms in the UK paid out £250 million in 2024 to cover the cost of damage as a result of weather-related plumbing incidents in 2024.
The ABI also revealed that the average value of such a claim was £33,000, giving you an indication of just how much damage a burst pipe can cause.
Meanwhile, if your home is fitted with a condensing boiler, it could break down due to a frozen condensate pipe. This is the pipe that takes the condensation from your boiler to an outside drain – which means it runs down the outside wall of your property.
When that pipe freezes, the ice causes a blockage which usually results in your boiler shutting down.
What should I do if a pipe freezes?
If you notice that one of your pipes has frozen, it’s important that you turn off the water supply using your stopcock, also called a stop tap or stop valve. There is one in every home – if you aren’t sure where yours is, take the time to find out.
This means that no more water can enter the plumbing in your home, thereby reducing the amount that can leak out if the pipe has been damaged.
It’s important to note that a leak won’t start until the pipe unfreezes. This gives you some time to drain your system and reduce the amount of damage a leak could cause.
The following are the steps to take, while also looking for an emergency plumber in Tooting or wherever you live to help you repair the damaged pipes if you can clearly see that your pipe has burst.
- Use your stopcock to turn off your water supply.
- Drain the cold water from your system. You can do this by turning on your cold water taps and by flushing your toilet.
- Move any furniture or possessions that are near your frozen pipes to reduce the risk of them being damaged should the pipe burst.
If you’re not sure whether your pipe has sprung a leak at this stage, you will need to wait until the pipe thaws to see whether it is in need of repair. Hopefully by taking these steps, however, you will have minimised the potential damage.
How do you thaw a frozen pipe safely?
Once you have taken the steps outlined here, you can thaw the pipe carefully. Leave the taps open while you’re doing this so that the water has somewhere to go.
You can gently thaw the pipe using a warm towel, or even a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. The key here is to take it slowly and not rush the process. If you’re confident the pipe isn’t damaged once it’s unfrozen, you should turn off the cold water taps and then turn your water supply back on.
If you are in any doubt, it’s best to get a plumber to come and check before you take this step.
What can I do to prevent frozen pipes?
It’s advisable to insulate your water pipes where possible. Although you might immediately think about external pipes, don’t forget those in your loft, where it can be colder. The same goes for water tanks if you have one in your heating system.
Another top tip is to use the anti-frost setting that most modern heating systems are equipped with. This will ensure your heating is always on at a minimal temperature, which will reduce the risk of any pipes freezing.
If you are going to be away from your home for any period of time, consider leaving your heating on at a low level or on a timer to reduce the risk. You may also want to think about turning your water off before you go.