How to Prevent Frozen Drains

Frozen drains are a winter hazard in the UK, particularly for shallow pipes, exposed external pipes, and properties in frost-prone areas. When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands by approximately 9%, generating enormous pressure that can crack even strong plastic pipes. Prevention is straightforward and far cheaper than repairing frost damage.

What to Look For

• Insulate exposed pipes and traps before winter
• Keep heating on low (at least 10°C) in unoccupied properties
• Fix dripping taps — constant small flows freeze and block drain traps
• Clear leaves and debris from external gullies before winter
• Lagging external taps and standpipes
• Consider trace heating for vulnerable pipe runs

How We Diagnose the Problem

If your drains freeze, we attend quickly to thaw the pipe safely (never use open flame — this damages the pipe) and check for frost damage using CCTV. Frost cracks in plastic pipes and joint displacement in clay pipes are common consequences.

How We Fix It

We repair frost-damaged pipes using relining or replacement, and advise on insulation and protection measures to prevent recurrence. For vulnerable properties, we can install trace heating cables on exposed pipe sections.