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Top 5 Ways to Prevent Burst Pipes in Winter
Winter is tough on plumbing. As temperatures drop, the risk of frozen pipes and burst pipe emergencies rises sharply — often leading to flooding, expensive repairs and major disruption. The good news is that most winter plumbing problems are preventable.
At Cascade Water Services we provide burst pipe repair, emergency leak repair and supply pipe services across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and London. Here are five ways to prevent burst pipes this winter.
1. Insulate your pipes, especially exposed ones
Pipes in lofts, garages, basements and outdoor areas freeze first. Add proper lagging to loft pipes, outdoor taps, garage pipes and under-sink pipes on external walls. Insulation is the single most effective preventative step.
2. Keep a steady indoor temperature
Many burst pipes happen when heating is turned off completely while a property is empty. Keep the thermostat at a minimum of 12–15°C even when you are out, and open cupboard doors under sinks so warm air circulates around the pipework.
3. Fix small leaks before the temperature drops
A tiny leak today can become a major burst tomorrow — any weakness in a pipe is likely to fail in freezing conditions. Watch for damp patches, dripping taps, reduced pressure and noisy pipework, and book a repair before winter sets in.
4. Protect outdoor taps and garden pipes
Outdoor taps and hosepipes freeze faster than anything indoors. Disconnect hosepipes, drain the tap fully and fit an outdoor tap cover.
5. Know where your stopcock is
If a pipe does burst, shutting the water off immediately can prevent thousands of pounds of damage. Find your stopcock now and test it — it is usually under the kitchen sink, in a utility cupboard or in a basement. In an emergency, turn it clockwise to stop the flow.
What to do if a pipe freezes
- Turn off the stopcock.
- Open nearby taps.
- Warm the pipe gently with towels soaked in warm water — never use a naked flame.
If it will not defrost, or you suspect the pipe has split, call a professional immediately.
Need burst pipe repair?
We provide emergency leak repair, burst pipe repair and supply pipe work across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and London, with a freephone line answered 24 hours a day. Contact us if you need help.