Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter plumbing problems UK homeowners face. When water freezes inside pipes, it expands and can cause pipes to burst — leading to flooding, costly repairs, and major stress.

The good news is that there are simple, low-cost steps you can take to prevent it. Here are the best cheap ways to stop frozen pipes in winter UK, plus how Sort a Home can connect you with trusted plumbers for emergencies or preventative care.

Why Frozen Pipes Are a Big Problem

• Burst pipes cost thousands – Repairs and water damage can run into the £££s.

• No running water – Frozen pipes mean taps, showers, and toilets stop working.

• Heating disruption – Central heating systems often rely on water flow.

Prevention is much cheaper than repair, which is why these tips matter.

1. Insulate Pipes with Cheap Lagging

• Buy foam pipe insulation (lagging) from DIY stores — it’s affordable and easy to fit.

• Focus on pipes in lofts, garages, and external walls.

• Even a few pounds spent on lagging can save hundreds in repair costs.

👉 Book Sort a Home Plumbing Services if you want a professional to check and insulate vulnerable pipes.

2. Keep Heating on Low

• Don’t turn your heating off completely in winter.

• Keeping the thermostat at 12–15°C when away prevents pipes from freezing.

• This uses less energy than repairing damage from a burst pipe.

3. Open Cupboard Doors Around Pipes

• In kitchens or bathrooms, open cupboards so warm air circulates around pipes.

• Simple, free, and effective — especially in colder nights.

4. Let Taps Drip in Extreme Cold

• Allowing taps to drip slightly keeps water moving, reducing the chance of freezing.

• This is especially useful for outdoor or exposed pipework.

5. Seal Draughts Around Pipes

• Use cheap draught excluders or sealant around gaps where pipes enter walls.

• Reduces cold air exposure and helps insulation work better.

6. Disconnect Garden Hoses & Outdoor Taps

• Water left in hoses can freeze and back up into pipes.

• Turn off external taps and drain them before freezing weather sets in.

7. Know Where Your Stopcock Is

• If a pipe does freeze or burst, turning off the main water supply quickly limits damage.

• Make sure everyone in the house knows where the stopcock is located.

Bonus: Use Cheap DIY Insulation Tricks

• Wrap exposed pipes with old towels or rags in emergencies.

• Use newspaper layers for short-term insulation.

• Keep loft hatches slightly open so warm air circulates upwards.

What to Do If Pipes Freeze

• Turn off the water supply immediately.

• Warm the pipe gradually using a hairdryer or hot water bottle (never use naked flames).

• If the pipe has burst, call an emergency plumber UK right away.

How Sort a Home Helps with Winter Plumbing

At Sort a Home, we make it easy to prevent and fix frozen pipe problems:

• Book emergency plumbers UK instantly online.

• Find trusted professionals for pipe insulation, boiler servicing, and heating checks.

• Transparent pricing with reviews from local customers.

Customer Experiences Across the UK

• “After frozen pipes in Glasgow last winter, we booked Sort a Home for insulation. No problems since.” – Callum

• “Cheap fixes like lagging and draught-proofing in London saved us a burst pipe disaster.” – Grace

• “We found an emergency plumber in Manchester within hours during a cold snap.” – Bilal

Stay Ahead of Winter Plumbing Problems

Preventing frozen pipes doesn’t need to be expensive. With these cheap and simple tips, you can protect your home, avoid costly repairs, and stay stress-free this winter.

Book Plumbing Services Today

👉 Visit Sort a Home Plumbing Services to find trusted plumbers for insulation, winter prep, or emergency pipe repairs.