Emergency response

Frozen pipe thawing

Safe controlled-thaw on frozen supply and waste pipes, heat blankets, heat trace, never a naked flame.

A frozen pipe is the warning before the burst. Once water freezes inside copper or plastic pipework, it expands roughly 9%, exerting enormous outward pressure on joints, valves and pipe walls. Thawed too aggressively, the sudden temperature change shocks the metal and ruptures it. Thawed too slowly, the pipe stays at risk for days.

Our winter response team uses calibrated heat-tracing equipment, controlled hot-water immersion and (where appropriate) infra-red thawing tools to defrost frozen sections safely. We isolate supply first, work backwards from the property, and stay on site until water flows are restored, with full pressure-test verification before we leave.

Need this service in London?

📞 Call 020 8050 5306 Book online

When We Use This

Where this service applies

✅ Loft pipework frozen during cold snaps
✅ External wall pipework freeze damage
✅ Garage and outhouse plumbing freezes
✅ Outside taps and garden plumbing
✅ Condensate pipes on combi boilers (causes lockout)
✅ Caravan and holiday-let winter freeze response
✅ Empty / vacant property freeze prevention
✅ Underfloor pipework in suspended-floor properties

Our Process

How we deliver

1
Phone diagnosis & isolation guidance
We talk you through stopcock isolation while the engineer is dispatched.
2
On-site identification
Frozen section located by surface temperature reading.
3
Controlled thaw
Heated water cloths, infra-red lamps, or heat-tape applied in stages.
4
Pressure verification
System repressurised. Visible runs inspected for hidden burst points.
5
Lagging recommendation
Where the freeze occurred is, by definition, inadequately lagged. We quote remedial lagging to prevent recurrence.
6
Boiler condensate clearance
If the boiler condensate is frozen, we reset and clear before leaving.

Frequently Asked

Your questions answered

Should I try to thaw a frozen pipe myself?

Only if you're confident, hairdryer on a low setting, working from the tap end backwards, can sometimes work. Never use a blowtorch, naked flame, or boiling water, these cause thermal shock and rupture the pipe. If unsure, isolate the supply at the stopcock and call us.

How much does frozen pipe thawing cost?

There is no callout fee for emergency work, so you pay only for the labour at the rate for the time of day, plus any materials. Labour is then from £75 / 30 min (daytime) up to £147 / 30 min (nighttime) (see full pricing). Most frozen pipes thawed within 30,60 minutes. Burst pipes following a freeze are charged at the same labour rates, with materials at trade cost + 30%, itemised. Insurance often covers freeze-burst damage, we provide insurance-grade reports.

My boiler is showing 'No Pressure', could it be frozen condensate?

Very likely if the temperature has been below freezing. Modern condensing boilers produce mildly acidic condensate that runs to a drain via a small plastic pipe, usually exiting through an external wall. If that pipe freezes, the boiler locks out. Pour warm (not boiling) water down the pipe to thaw. We'll attend if you can't safely do this.

How can I prevent pipes from freezing?

Three steps. One: lag exposed pipework in lofts, garages and external walls (we supply and fit lagging, priced per our published rate card – see full pricing). Two: if leaving the property in winter, set heating to a minimum 12°C constant (don't switch off). Three: install isolation valves on outside taps and drain them before winter.

Will my insurance cover freeze damage?

Most home buildings insurance policies cover sudden burst-pipe damage from freeze. Some require evidence that you took reasonable precautions (heating on, lagging, drained outside taps). We provide full insurance-grade reports for direct claim handling, see insurance & restoration.