2026-05-20

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter in Swindon

Every winter we see a spike in burst pipe call-outs across Swindon, almost always following a hard frost. A little prevention goes a long way.

Before the cold sets in

• ✓ Insulate exposed pipework in lofts, garages, and outbuildings with pipe lagging
• ✓ Fix any dripping taps - a slow drip is more likely to freeze and block a pipe
• ✓ Know where your stopcock is, in case you need to shut off the water fast
• ✓ If you're away for an extended period, consider leaving your heating on a low, constant setting

During a cold snap

• ✓ Leave loft hatches open slightly to let warm air circulate around water tanks
• ✓ Keep the heating on low overnight rather than switching it off completely
• ✓ If a tap stops running suddenly, treat it as an early warning sign of freezing, not just low pressure

If a pipe does freeze

Don't use direct heat like a blowtorch. Gently warm the area with a hairdryer on a low setting, starting from the tap end nearest the blockage, and open the tap to relieve pressure as the ice melts.

If a pipe has already split, turn off your stopcock straight away and call our burst pipe repair team.