As winter looms, you might be starting to wonder if your plumbing will cope with the cold snap. The threat of a burst pipe is a worry to many homeowners… If it’s on your mind, then it’s important to take a few steps now and save yourself the expense and disruption of a repair in the middle of the coldest months.
To protect your pipes from freezing temperatures, we suggest:
- Insulating pipes in extra-cold areas
- Protecting and insulating outdoor plumbing
- Booking a boiler service
- Adjusting your central heating system
In this guide, we’ll walk you through why pipes freeze, how to prevent frozen pipes both indoors and outdoors, the essential role of boiler servicing, and the winter prep steps that make the biggest difference. We’ll finish off with answers to your cold-weather plumbing questions.
If you’d like a hand getting your home ready for the colder months, the friendly engineers at JPS Plumbing, Gas and Electrical are here to help. Book your boiler service in Winchester, Southampton, or nearby, or contact the team for advice.
Why pipes freeze in cold weather
When temperatures plummet, the water inside your pipes reacts quickly. As water freezes, it expands. That expansion creates pressure within the pipework, particularly around bends, fittings and joints. This pressure builds up and can lead to a burst pipe — not ideal!
Areas exposed to cold air (such as lofts, basements, garages, exterior walls, and unheated cupboards) are the first places where freezing happens.
But any point where cold meets plumbing is a risk.
Even a slow drip from a leaky tap can leave standing water that freezes, forming ice and creating further blockages. Once part of a pipe freezes, pressure can build behind the ice until the pipe can no longer cope.
Luckily, with the right preparation, you can prevent freezing from happening in the first place.
How to prevent frozen pipes in and around your home
Winter protection is all about keeping heat in, cold out, and water moving. Below are the most effective ways to prevent frozen pipes and keep your plumbing working well throughout the season.
1. Use pipe insulation
High-quality pipe insulation is one of the easiest safeguards you can install. Foam sleeves fit neatly around your pipes, protecting them from freezing temperatures outside and keeping the internal temperature steady.
Make sure you insulate pipes in lofts, garages, basements, under sinks, and along any exterior walls. Pay extra attention to valves, bends, and awkward corners. By properly insulating your pipework, you can reduce heat loss and significantly lower the risk of damage during winter weather.
2. Protect outdoor plumbing
Outdoor plumbing is always the most vulnerable. Disconnect garden hoses, drain any outdoor faucet lines, and cover outside taps with insulated caps to shield metal fittings from icy winds.
If your water tanks or pipework are located in exposed parts of the property, make sure they’re insulated too. A single draught can drop temperatures enough to cause ice. Even moisture from a dripping tap can freeze and spread, blocking the flow of water.
3. Get your boiler serviced
This is arguably the most sensible piece of advice for the winter. A healthy boiler is essential for winter protection and is usually required to maintain your warranty.
Boiler cover includes this service and gives you an added layer of protection if your boiler goes on the blink. When you book a routine boiler service, a licensed plumber or gas engineer will assess the condition of the pipes, clean them, and check for leaks, pressure issues, and emerging faults. It’s a proactive service that can help prevent breakdowns when the weather is at its coldest.
Some modern boilers also include frost-protection features to help keep exposed pipes from freezing.
Read more for advice on how to prepare your boiler for the coming winter months.
4. Schedule your central heating system
You don’t need the heating blasting 24/7, but keeping the thermostat set to come on periodically helps warm air circulate through your pipework. This prevents water from sitting still long enough to freeze.
If you’re heading away, set the thermostat to a low but safe temperature (around 12–15°C). This gentle level of heat keeps water moving and reduces the chance of ice forming.
In extreme weather, allowing a slight trickle of running water from a tap can also help protect pipes. But in general, with a modern boiler system and the steps above, you shouldn’t need to rely on this.
Get prepped for winter with JPS Plumbing, Gas and Electrical
Winter prep is the best way to avoid emergency plumbing issues this time of year. At JPS Plumbing, Gas and Electrical, we can help protect your pipes, check for leaks, service your boiler, and make sure all exposed pipework is insulated properly.
Stay warm, avoid costly repairs, and keep your home running smoothly. Now’s the perfect time to get winter-ready with JPS. Book your boiler service online, and we’ll come to your home in Winchester, Southampton, or wider Hampshire.
If you’re ready for a new boiler, use our online boiler quote tool to get an idea of your budget.
Frequently asked questions – how to protect your plumbing from freezing temperatures
Book a boiler service with JPS Plumbing, Gas and Electrical
Does keeping the heating on stop pipes from freezing?
Yes. Keeping steady, low-level heat in the home allows warm air to circulate through pipes. This prevents water from freezing and reduces the risk of pressure building up inside the pipework.
Which house pipes are most likely to freeze?
Pipes located in colder areas are the first to freeze. The chilliest areas are usually uninsulated lofts, external walls, garages, basements, and anywhere plumbing is exposed. Water supply lines in these areas should always be insulated for added protection.
Do modern boilers help protect against freezing pipes?
Many newer boilers include built-in frost protection. When temperatures drop, they kick in automatically to warm or circulate water, helping prevent pipes from freezing. Despite your added layer of protection, insulation, and proper winter maintenance are still essential for keeping things running smoothly.
Can hot water pipes freeze, too?
Yes. Believe it or not, hot water pipes can freeze just as easily as cold ones. Once water stops moving and begins to cool, it can freeze, especially in unheated or exposed spaces. Insulation and regular heating cycles help stop this from happening.
We also offer annual service packages to keep your home warm and your heating bill down. And if the time has come for a new boiler, use our online boiler quote tool to get an idea of the cost.
Frequently asked questions – why preparing your boiler before winter is essential
Does keeping the heating on stop pipes from freezing?
Yes. Keeping steady, low-level heat in the home allows warm air to circulate through pipes. This prevents water from freezing and reduces the risk of pressure building up inside the pipework.
Which house pipes are most likely to freeze?
Pipes located in colder areas are the first to freeze. The chilliest areas are usually uninsulated lofts, external walls, garages, basements, and anywhere plumbing is exposed. Water supply lines in these areas should always be insulated for added protection.
Do modern boilers help protect against freezing pipes?
Many newer boilers include built-in frost protection. When temperatures drop, they kick in automatically to warm or circulate water, helping prevent pipes from freezing. Despite your added layer of protection, insulation, and proper winter maintenance are still essential for keeping things running smoothly.
Can hot water pipes freeze, too?
Yes. Believe it or not, hot water pipes can freeze just as easily as cold ones. Once water stops moving and begins to cool, it can freeze, especially in unheated or exposed spaces. Insulation and regular heating cycles help stop this from happening.