Thames Water issued winter advice to its customers on 8 January 2026, urging households to protect their homes from burst pipes while freezing weather and snow continue, and reporting that over 100 repairs a day are being carried out related specifically to the cold weather1.
The company said it had boosted its workforce over the coming days so that more teams are on hand to respond to customer calls and carry out urgent repairs to burst or leaking pipes, and that the most critical and high-priority leaks and tasks are addressed first in high-volume periods1. Other measures include emergency gritting as standard when cold weather snaps hit, and the company encouraged the public to be mindful of work sites, traffic management setups and slippery or icy surfaces1.
Thames Water said that when water freezes it expands, increasing the risk of cracks and splits in pipework, and that leaks often appear during a thaw as water finds its way through any damage1. It said pipes leading to outside taps, in unheated lofts, garages and utility rooms, or running alongside cold exterior walls are particularly vulnerable1. Burst pipes on private property are homeowners' responsibility, and customers are responsible for protecting pipes on their own property, the company said1.
Sarah Holland, Operations Service and Control Centre Director at Thames Water, said:
"Our purpose is to deliver life's essential service, and we're doing everything we can to fix bursts and leaks on our network caused by the colder temperatures. A burst pipe is the last thing anyone needs during a cold snap, and there are lots of small steps we can all take to protect pipes in our homes. Our simple winter-readiness tips can make a big difference and help keep customers warm this winter."
Thames Water's advice to customers is set out below as the company gave it1.
| Step | What Thames Water says |
|---|---|
| Insulate pipework | Lag exposed pipes using inexpensive foam insulation available at DIY stores |
| Find the stop tap | Locate your inside stop tap now so you can switch off water quickly if a leak occurs |
| Plumber contact | Note down the number of a qualified emergency plumber in case repairs are needed |
| Insurance | Check your home insurance covers damage caused by frozen or burst pipes |
Customers who spot leaks and bursts on Thames Water's network can report this online, the company said1.
Why it matters for households
The advice applies to Thames Water customers across its supply area, and the company says the risk continues while freezing weather and snow are forecast this week, with further leaks possible as temperatures rise again1. Responsibility for pipes on private property rests with the homeowner, so the cost and disruption of a burst fall to the household unless insurance covers it1. The company's own guidance covers lagging vulnerable pipework, knowing where the inside stop tap is, having an emergency plumber's number to hand and checking insurance cover for frozen or burst pipes1. For households dealing with a pipe that has already frozen, our guide to frozen pipes sets out safe thawing and prevention, and getting your home ready for cold weather and ice covers wider winter preparation. Where a leak has already started, water leaks on your property explains how to find it and who repairs it, and the home emergencies and storms and snow hubs collect the related guidance.
What happens next
Thames Water said additional teams would be in place over the coming days to handle calls and urgent repairs, with critical and high-priority leaks and tasks addressed first during high-volume periods1. The company did not give an end date for the freezing conditions or for the extra staffing in its advice1.
Sources (1)
- Winter advice January 2026| Newsroom| Thames Water, thameswater.co.uk
Winter Home Preparation
Frozen Pipes Thawing
