South East Water issued the warning on 16 January 2024, saying unprotected water pipes in homes and businesses are at risk of freezing and bursting as temperatures drop, which can result in extensive water damage throughout a property1. The company supplies 2.4 million customers across parts of Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire1. It said burst pipes are a very unpleasant and inconvenient problem, and that when they happen inside the home or within the boundary of a property they are usually the home owner's responsibility to repair1.
Two days later, Bristol Water said temperatures across its region had plummeted in the past few days, and that a sudden drop can result in water-related issues such as frozen pipes and leaks2. It said water expands by nearly 10% as it freezes and turns into ice, which stops the flow through pipes, and that this can cause even new pipes to split, often resulting in leaks and bursts causing flooding and damage2.
South East Water said industry approved pipe lagging and outdoor tap protectors are available free from its website or to buy from DIY stores1. Bristol Water advised wrapping pipes and water tanks with lagging, especially those in unheated areas such as lofts, garages or gardens, fixing dripping taps, finding the inside stop tap and checking it can be turned off, leaving the heating on low if going away, checking the central heating boiler has been serviced, and keeping the contact details of a reputable plumber on hand2.
"By insulating water pipes and outdoor taps now, this will help prevent them from freezing and bursting."
Andrews added that locating the internal and external stop tap is another winter task so water flowing into the property can be immediately shut off if a pipe does burst, and asked people to spread the message to family, friends and neighbours1.
South East Water's advice in the event of a pipe emergency is to turn off the water supply at the internal and, if possible, external stop tap and switch off the boiler; open all taps to drain the system, saving some water in a bucket for flushing toilets and hand washing, and turn all taps off when the water stops running; soak up escaping water with towels to limit the damage; and call an approved plumber qualified to work on the plumbing system1. It said that if water has leaked near the electrics, people should not touch them and should switch them off at the fuse box, and contact their home insurance company, who will advise on what to do next1.
Bristol Water's guidance for frozen pipes differs in one respect: it said that if the central heating and other water heating appliances are already on, they should be kept on, but if they are currently turned off, people should not be tempted to switch them on to thaw frozen pipes as this could cause damage2. It advised checking with neighbours if there is no water, since if they still have water the pipes may be frozen; checking pipes for signs of a split, as a leak or burst will not occur until the water has thawed; turning off the supply using the internal stop tap; and draining the cold water system only by flushing the toilet and opening cold taps over sinks and baths2. If no damage is found, it advised turning on all the taps and thawing the frozen pipe using a warm towel or hot water bottle wrapped in a towel, then turning off the taps and slowly switching the supply back on, rechecking for damage or leaks before switching on water heating appliances2.
Bristol Water also said a big freeze is followed by a thaw which can cause interruptions to supply, that its crews prioritise repairs of burst mains and urgent leaks first so non-urgent repairs may take longer, and that its contact centre receives many more calls about frozen and burst pipes2. It asked customers who could not access an alternative water supply during a disruption to sign up for its Priority Services Register2. It said chlorine taste can be more noticeable in winter because colder weather means it takes longer to leave the water, and suggested filling a jug or bottle and putting it in the fridge for a while2.
Why it matters for households
Households in the South East Water area are affected from the cold snap of mid-January 2024, and Bristol Water customers in its region likewise1. The practical consequence set out by both companies is that pipes in unheated places, and outside taps, can freeze and then split, with the leak or burst appearing only once the water thaws1. Repair of pipes inside the home or within the property boundary is usually the home owner's responsibility1. Both companies advise locating the stop tap in advance so supply can be shut off quickly, and Bristol Water advises knowing how to turn it off1. South East Water offers pipe lagging and outdoor tap protectors free from its website or to buy from DIY stores1. Bristol Water advises customers who could not access an alternative water supply during a disruption to join its Priority Services Register2.
What happens next
No further dates have been reported. Bristol Water said any big freeze is followed by a thaw which can cause interruptions to supply, and that non-urgent repairs may take longer than usual while burst mains and urgent leaks are prioritised2. South East Water's winter lagging kit, additional advice and a video on what to do if pipes freeze are available through its winter pages1.
For households dealing with a frozen or burst pipe, the site's guide on frozen pipes covers thawing them safely and preventing freezing, and the home emergencies hub and storms and snow hub cover wider cold-weather preparation.
Sources (2)
- Frozen pipes risk as temperatures drop | South East Water, southeastwater.co.uk
- The little things you can do to help stay leak-free this winter, bristolwater.co.uk
Frozen Pipes Thawing
