Bristol may not experience the severe winters of northern England, but overnight temperatures do drop below zero regularly in January and February, and properties with poorly insulated loft conversions, exposed external pipework, or underfloor supply runs are vulnerable to freezing. When water freezes inside a copper or plastic pipe it expands, creating pressure that can split the pipe at a joint or along its length. The burst often only becomes apparent when the pipe thaws and water escapes. Our plumbers can safely thaw frozen sections using hot air tools (never naked flame) and carry out immediate repairs if a split has already occurred. We'll also advise on permanent lagging solutions to protect the most vulnerable runs. If you lose water to part of your property in cold weather, call us immediately — acting early can prevent the burst that follows thawing.
We establish which pipes are frozen and whether any have already burst, advising you to keep the stopcock accessible and heating on.
Using hot air guns and warm cloths, we gradually thaw the frozen section from the tap end backwards to allow water to escape without pressure build-up.
Once thawed, we inspect the full affected section for splits, bulges, or weakened joints that could fail under normal operating pressure.
Any damaged sections are repaired or replaced immediately using appropriate fittings.
We identify all vulnerable pipe runs and advise on pipe lagging, tank insulation, or trace heating to prevent recurrence.
Frozen pipe call-outs from £110 including thawing and inspection. Repair costs if a burst has occurred are additional and depend on extent of damage. Lagging materials supplied and fitted at competitive rates.
You can try applying warm (not boiling) water or a warm cloth to an accessible pipe. Never use a blowtorch — this is a fire risk and can damage plastic fittings. If you're unsure, call us.
Pipes in unheated spaces like loft voids, external walls, or under suspended floors can freeze quickly during an overnight cold snap even if the rest of the property is warm.
Turn off the stopcock immediately and call us. We carry repair materials on every van and can fix a burst pipe in a single visit in most cases.