Winter Drain Care: Preventing Frozen and Burst Pipes

Protecting Your Drains From Winter's Worst

As temperatures plummet across Lancashire and Greater Manchester, frozen and burst pipes become one of the most common—and costly—plumbing emergencies. Every winter, thousands of UK homeowners face the devastating aftermath of burst pipes, with average repair costs ranging from £1,500 to £15,000 depending on the extent of water damage.

Understanding how to protect your drainage system before the cold sets in can save you thousands of pounds and prevent the stress of dealing with a plumbing emergency during the festive season.

Why Do Pipes Freeze and Burst?

Water has a unique property: it expands by approximately 9% when it freezes. This expansion creates enormous pressure inside your pipes—up to 40,000 PSI in severe cases. Even the strongest copper or plastic pipes cannot withstand this force, leading to cracks, splits, or complete ruptures.

Most Vulnerable Pipes

• External pipes: Garden taps, outside toilets, and garage plumbing
• Pipes in unheated areas: Lofts, garages, and outbuildings
• Pipes against external walls: Particularly north-facing walls with poor insulation
• Underground pipes: Shallow drainage runs and external waste pipes
• Vacant properties: Holiday homes and unoccupied rental properties

Pre-Winter Preparation Checklist

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Pipe insulation is inexpensive and highly effective:

• Foam pipe lagging costs around £1-3 per metre
• Cover all pipes in unheated areas including lofts and garages
• Pay special attention to pipe bends and joints
• Use waterproof tape to seal any gaps in insulation
• Consider electric trace heating for particularly vulnerable pipes

2. Protect External Taps and Pipes

• Turn off the water supply to external taps using the isolation valve
• Drain residual water by opening the tap after isolation
• Install insulated tap covers (available from £5-15)
• Consider installing frost-proof outdoor taps if replacing

3. Service Your Heating System

Your central heating plays a crucial role in pipe protection:

• Service your boiler before winter to ensure reliability
• Bleed radiators to maximise heating efficiency
• Set your thermostat to maintain at least 12-14°C continuously
• Use timer settings to keep heating on low during very cold spells

4. Locate Your Stopcock

Know where your main stopcock is located and ensure it works properly:

• Usually found under the kitchen sink or in a utility area
• Turn it periodically to prevent seizing
• Label it clearly so anyone in the household can find it
• Consider installing a second isolation valve for easier access

Signs Your Pipes May Be Frozen

Early detection can prevent a frozen pipe from bursting:

Warning Signs

• No water flow: Taps produce little or no water
• Reduced pressure: Water trickles rather than flows normally
• Strange sounds: Gurgling or banging from pipes when taps are opened
• Frost visible: Ice or condensation on exposed pipes
• Unusual smells: Sewage odours from drains that can't clear

What To Do If Your Pipes Freeze

Step 1: Turn Off the Water

Locate your stopcock and turn off the mains water supply immediately. This limits potential damage if the pipe has cracked.

Step 2: Identify the Frozen Section

Trace the pipe run to find where it's frozen—look for frost, bulging, or areas that feel significantly colder.

Step 3: Thaw Carefully

• Open the nearest tap to allow water to escape as it thaws
• Apply gentle heat using a hairdryer, heat lamp, or hot water bottles
• Start from the tap end and work back towards the frozen section
• Never use open flames, blowtorches, or boiling water—this can crack pipes

Step 4: Check for Damage

As the pipe thaws, watch carefully for leaks. Cracks may not be visible until water flows again.

When Disaster Strikes: Dealing With Burst Pipes

Emergency Response

1. Turn off the water: Close the main stopcock immediately
2. Switch off electrics: If water is near electrical outlets, turn off power at the consumer unit
3. Drain the system: Open all taps to empty remaining water
4. Contain the water: Use buckets, towels, and mops to limit damage
5. Call professionals: Contact an emergency drainage specialist

Typical Burst Pipe Repair Costs

• Emergency callout: £80-150
• Pipe repair (accessible): £150-400
• Pipe repair (hidden/difficult access): £400-1,200
• Water damage restoration: £500-5,000+
• Complete pipe replacement: £1,000-3,000

Protecting Your Drainage System

External drains and underground pipes also need winter protection:

Gutter and Downpipe Care

• Clear leaves and debris before winter to prevent blockages
• Check for cracks or loose joints that could freeze and split
• Ensure downpipes drain properly away from the building
• Install leaf guards to prevent future blockages

External Drain Maintenance

• Clear drain covers of leaves and debris
• Pour boiling water down external drains weekly to prevent ice build-up
• Consider preventative drain jetting before winter
• Check for standing water that could freeze and block drains

Vacant Property Protection

If you're leaving a property empty during winter:

• Option 1: Drain the system completely—turn off water, open all taps, flush toilets
• Option 2: Keep heating on low (12-14°C) throughout winter
• Ask someone to check the property weekly
• Consider smart thermostats that alert you to temperature drops
• Ensure buildings insurance covers unoccupied property burst pipes

Professional Winter Drain Services

At Aquaspeed, we offer comprehensive winter drain protection:

Pre-Winter Drain Survey

• CCTV inspection to identify vulnerable areas
• Clear any existing blockages before they freeze
• Check pipe condition and recommend repairs
• Typically costs £150-250

Emergency Winter Services

• 24/7 emergency callout for frozen and burst pipes
• High-pressure water jetting to clear frozen blockages
• Emergency drain repairs
• Water damage assessment and prevention

Summary: Your Winter Drain Care Checklist

• ☐ Insulate all exposed pipes in unheated areas
• ☐ Turn off and drain external taps
• ☐ Service your boiler and heating system
• ☐ Locate and test your stopcock
• ☐ Clear gutters and external drains
• ☐ Keep heating on during cold spells (minimum 12°C)
• ☐ Know what to do if pipes freeze or burst
• ☐ Have emergency contact numbers ready

Don't wait for a winter emergency! Call Aquaspeed on 0800 019 0073 for a pre-winter drain survey or if you need emergency assistance with frozen or burst pipes. We're available 24/7 across Lancashire and Greater Manchester.