Cold weather can be a problem for many households with exposed pipework that can fracture, leading to expensive leaks and (in some cases) flooding. It’s been estimated that burst pipes cause more than £50million of damage across the UK every year – with most of the resulting insurance claims coming in January and February.
Speedy Jet Plumbers offer pipe freezing repairs in Canning Town, and across London. In this article we look at what happens to pipes if the temperature drops below zero degrees, the kind of work which becomes necessary – and why, on occasion, pipe freezing repair can mean something rather different.
What Happens to Pipes When it Freezes
Most pipes in modern plumbing systems are either underground or indoors, where they are well protected from the elements. However, there are some (such as the overflow pipe on a condensate boiler) which are usually located outside, and if the temperature drops below zero for an extended period, the water inside them can freeze.
When water freezes, it expands; and this can lead to the pipe fracturing or bursting; this in turn can cause flooding. Even if this is outdoors, it can still be a pain having to clear it all up. If it’s a slow internal leak, you could see water marks or damp patches appearing on the walls, ceilings or floor.
And even if the pipe doesn’t break, your water system is still effectively clogged up. Which could lead to a variety of problems, including:
- Your central heating making gurgling noises when it’s on
- Your boiler not turning on at all
- The flow of water through the taps being reduced to a trickle (if any comes through at all)
- The sink becoming clogged up and the toilet only flushing very slowly.
What You Can Do
There are a number of precautions you can take to minimise the risks of frozen pipes. You could let your taps drip slightly, to ensure a constant through-flow of water. Equally, you could keep your heating on at a low temperature, even when you’re not at home, which will keep the pipes above freezing point.
Both of these are expensive solutions, given the current high cost of utility and energy bills. A much better answer is to ensure all pipes (particularly external ones) are properly insulated. Rubber pipe insulation is flexible, easy to install and relatively cheap.
If one or more of your pipes has already frozen, and you know where, then you can try warming it or them up with a hot water bottle or hairdryer; don’t use boiling water. However, if you think there might be a leak somewhere in your system, it’s a much better idea to call Speedy Jet Plumbers in if you live in London – we offer emergency plumber call out services in Hoxton, Clerkenwell and all parts of the capital.
We should be able to detect and repair any leaks, in homes and businesses all across London – whether they are caused by frozen pipes, general wear and tear or any other reason. For more information check out our relevant services page here.
Sometimes Plumbers Do It Themselves
Frozen pipes aren’t just a natural phenomenon; sometimes plumbers deliberately do it themselves. Attaching a refrigerant to the outside of the pipe will cool not just the pipework but the water inside it to below freezing point.
This obviously stops any water from flowing through, effectively isolating that part of the system, allowing the plumber to carry out work on one particular section (not necessarily to repair a pipe fracture or leak – sometimes a new valve may need to be installed).
This is particularly useful if access is difficult (for instance the stopcock is in another part of the building, such as a separate flat). Equally, draining down the whole system may be expensive and time-consuming, or expensive anti-corrosion agents may be present. For more information on this aspect of our work, follow this link.
Pipe Freezing Repairs in London from Speedy Jet Plumbers
If you need a fast, efficient repair service for any plumbing problem, then Speedy Jet Plumbers should be able to provide it. You can contact us by clicking here and filling in the online form, or calling us on 0203 633 2424.
