Winter Plumbing Maintenance
How to Prepare Your Home Plumbing for Winter: Avoid Frozen Pipes and Leaks
Cold weather can be tough on pipework, fixtures, and heating systems. A few simple checks before the temperature drops can save you from burst pipes, leaks, and costly call-outs. This guide explains what to do, when to do it, and how to spot early warning signs — with a handy checklist you can follow each winter.
Why Winter Plumbing Prep Matters
- Frozen pipes expand and can burst, causing major water damage.
- Slow leaks worsen with contraction and expansion cycles in cold weather.
- Uninsulated pipework and outside taps are the first to freeze.
Step-by-Step: Get Your Plumbing Winter-Ready
- Insulate exposed pipes in lofts, garages, and under sinks with foam lagging.
- Protect outdoor taps with insulated covers; isolate and drain outside pipework if possible.
- Service your boiler and check system pressure so radiators heat evenly. Boiler services
- Bleed radiators to remove trapped air and improve circulation.
- Set heating to frost protection when away to prevent pipes freezing.
- Find and label your stop tap so you can quickly shut off water in an emergency.
- Check for slow leaks around toilets, under sinks, and near appliances.
- Clear gutters and drains so water can flow away from the property. Drainage services
Early Warning Signs to Act On
- Gurgling or banging pipes when heating starts (air or sludge in the system).
- Cold spots on radiators indicating trapped air or sludge build-up.
- Low boiler pressure dropping repeatedly (possible leak).
- Slow-draining sinks or outside gullies (risk of freezing and overflow). Learn about drainage repairs
If a Pipe Freezes: What to Do
- Turn off the stop tap to prevent flooding.
- Warm the pipe gently with towels soaked in warm water or a hairdryer on low. Never use an open flame.
- Open nearby taps slightly to relieve pressure as the ice thaws.
- If the pipe bursts or you can’t locate the freeze, call a professional immediately.
When to Call a Professional
For persistent low pressure, suspected leaks, frozen sections you can’t access, or if your boiler won’t fire, it’s safest to bring in an expert. We handle planned maintenance and urgent call-outs.
Plumbing Maintenance & Repairs Emergency Plumbing Services
Need Help Winter-Proofing?
The qualified engineers at P A Henery Ltd provide plumbing, boiler servicing, and emergency call-outs across South Croydon and surrounding areas.