Archive Council News

This page is a news release published by Wrexham County Borough Council.
Content Author: pressoffice@wrexham.gov.uk

13 January 2010

Winter Pipe Problems

Freezing temperatures and the subsequent thaw can throw up a number of plumbing problems - from flooding to heating failures. As pipes begin to thaw you may start to find that leaks occur due to the expansion of ice within the pipe-work, causing pipes to split or joints to come apart. You should check all pipe-work especially those located in isolated, unheated parts of the building.

However, householders can do their bit to prevent the cold snap turning into a domestic disaster.

Frozen Pipes

The key to avoiding and remedying frozen pipes is heat. There is not an awful lot you can do from a plumbing perspective in terms of frozen pipes once the pipes are frozen, the best way to prevent pipes from freezing is to keep the heating on. If possible, if it’s an internal pipe, it may be possible to use some type of heating – not a naked flame, but a hairdryer or something like that – to clear the frozen blockage, or just let the heat from the property clear the blockage.

Burst Pipes

Ensure you can locate a mains water valve – or “stop cock” – and know how to turn it off. It is normally found in the kitchen, typically beneath the sink. Turn the valve off, make sure there’s not further water coming into the property, switch your electricity off just in case water drips into that, switch off any central or water heating system, and if you’ve got a solid fuel fire let that die down. Then open taps to drain the system and collect water so that you’ve got at least some water for washing and WC flushing.

Worth Knowing

Insurance may not cover the cost of repairing a burst pipe – the customer is usually liable for any plumbing fees. However, insurance should cover the cost of any damage caused to the property by flooding. It is also recommended that you make sure your household heating system is serviced once a year, after a number of plumbing firms reported call-outs this winter to households where maintenance checks had not been carried for five or six years.

back to the top