Top 5 Ways to Prevent Burst Pipes in Winter

Winter can be tough on your home’s plumbing. As temperatures drop, the risk of frozen pipes and burst pipe emergencies rises sharply — often leading to flooding, expensive repairs, and major disruption.

The good news? Most winter plumbing problems are completely preventable with a few simple steps.

At Cascade Water Services, we provide burst pipe repair, emergency water leak repair, and supply pipe services across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and London. Here are our top 5 ways to prevent burst pipes this winter.

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1. Insulate Your Pipes (Especially Exposed Ones)

Pipes in lofts, garages, basements, and outdoor areas are the first to freeze.
Add proper pipe lagging to:

• Loft pipes
• Outdoor taps
• Garage pipes
• Under-sink pipes on external walls

Good insulation is the most effective way to prevent frozen pipes.

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2. Keep a Steady Indoor Temperature

Many burst pipes happen when people turn the heating off completely while away.
Instead:

• Keep the thermostat at a minimum of 12–15°C, even when you’re out.
• Open cupboard doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.

A consistent temperature dramatically reduces freeze risks.

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3. Fix Small Leaks Before the Temperature Drops

A tiny leak today can become a major burst tomorrow. Even the smallest weakness in a pipe can fail during freezing conditions.

Signs to look for:

• Damp patches
• Dripping taps
• Reduced water pressure
• Noisy pipework

If you spot anything unusual, book a repair before winter fully sets in.

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4. Protect Your Outdoor Taps and Garden Pipes

Outdoor taps and hosepipes freeze faster than anything inside.
Make sure you:

• Disconnect hosepipes
• Drain the tap fully
• Fit an outdoor tap cover

These simple steps can prevent major bursts and flooding around your external walls.

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5. Know Where Your Stopcock Is (and How to Turn It Off)

If a pipe does burst, shutting off the water immediately can prevent thousands of pounds of damage.
Find your stopcock now and test it — it’s usually found:

• Under the kitchen sink
• In a utility cupboard
• In a basement

In an emergency, turn it clockwise to stop the flow of water.

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What to Do If a Pipe Freezes

If you suspect a frozen pipe:

• Turn off the stopcock
• Open nearby taps
• Warm the pipe gently with towels soaked in warm water (never use a naked flame!)

If it won’t defrost, or you suspect a split pipe, call a professional immediately.

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Need Burst Pipe Repair or Emergency Water Leak Help?

At Cascade Water Services, we offer:
✅ Emergency water leak repair
✅ Burst pipe repair
✅ Supply pipe replacement
✅ Fast response across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and London

If you’re worried about frozen pipes or winter plumbing problems, our team is here to help.

👉 Contact Cascade Water Services today for expert winter plumbing protection.

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FAQs

💧 What’s the most common cause of burst pipes in winter?
Water freezing inside pipes causes them to expand and split. Poor insulation is the biggest risk factor.

💧 How can I tell if a pipe has frozen?
Low water pressure, slow taps or no water flow at all often indicate a frozen section.

💧 Can Cascade help with emergency bursts?
Yes — we offer emergency water leak repair and fast response for burst pipes throughout the winter.