As winter approaches in the UK, property owners face a common but important concern: how to protect pipes from freezing. Frozen pipes can cause unexpected disruptions, severe water damage and costly repairs. For commercial properties, the impact can be particularly serious, as complex plumbing systems are often at risk due to varied layouts and unheated areas, leading to lost time and revenue.
Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid this disruption to your business. At Hollywell, we are experts in facility management and maintenance. With our vast experience helping businesses and building managers prepare for winter, you can prevent costly issues such as frozen or burst pipes. Our guide covers the reasons pipes freeze, provides practical steps on how to protect pipes from freezing and explains how Hollywell can support your business in staying prepared for the winter months.
Why do pipes freeze?
Understanding how to protect pipes from freezing starts with knowing why it happens. When water freezes, it expands, creating pressure within the pipes. This can lead to burst pipes, causing extensive damage to your building, disruptions to your services and serious financial ramifications. Areas in buildings that are unheated, such as basements, attics and garages, or pipes located along exterior walls, are particularly vulnerable. Water tanks are often overlooked, but a common cause of burst pipes during cold weather.
The age and shape of the pipes, as well as previous levels of corrosion, will also impact the potential for damage. Assessing which areas are at risk is an essential part of learning how to protect pipes from freezing.
How to protect pipes from freezing: preventative measures
The Association of British Insurers estimated in 2022 that the average cost of weather-related home insurance claims for burst pipes was a staggering £9,300. Considering the following preventative measures will enable you to take effective action before any costly problems arise this winter:
Pipe insulation
Proper insulation is one of the most effective ways to protect pipes from freezing. Insulation helps maintain a stable temperature within the pipes, preventing them from freezing even in extreme cold. Pipe insulation also keeps your building warm and offers energy savings, making it a smart investment for your business.
Choose the right insulation
Different types of insulation are available to protect pipes from freezing, each suited to specific environments, including:
Foam Insulation: Lightweight and cost-effective, foam insulation works well in mild indoor areas.
Rubber Insulation: Ideal for areas with fluctuating temperatures, rubber insulation offers added moisture resistance.
Fibreglass Insulation: A heavy-duty option for severe cold, fibreglass insulation is often used for pipes in unheated or exterior spaces.
Consulting with professionals, such as Hollywell, can ensure you select the right type of insulation when deciding how to protect pipes from freezing – based on your unique needs and building conditions.
Regular maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential for understanding how to protect pipes from freezing and keeping your plumbing system healthy. Checking for leaks, cracks, or weak spots before winter arrives helps catch potential issues early – reducing the likelihood of costly and disruptive problems.
Getting your boiler serviced every year, ideally during the warmer months, is a good idea to ensure there are no cold spots in your system and prevent unexpected breakdowns.
For high-level prevention, Hollywell offers expert pre-winter inspections to help businesses protect pipes from freezing. Our preventive maintenance services are designed to secure every part of your plumbing, ensuring your pipes are fully prepared to withstand the cold months.
Additional tips for winter pipe protection
Besides insulation and maintenance, there are other effective steps when considering how to protect pipes from freezing:
Maintain low-level heating
Keeping heating on at a low level during extremely cold periods can help protect pipes from freezing, especially in unheated or lesser-used areas. If you have a smart thermostat, most will have an in-built frost protection mode, which will keep your building heated at a very low level. On radiators, look for the snowflake symbol.
Seal gaps where cold air could enter
Sealing gaps around pipes, particularly those along exterior walls, blocks cold air from coming into contact with your pipes, reducing the risk of freezing.
Locate your stopcock
This turns off the water supply, so make sure to test that it works in case of an emergency. If you are planning on vacating the building for an extended period of time, consider turning your water off at the stopcock, running the taps until they are dry and then shutting them off.
How to protect pipes from freezing: professional protection with Hollywell
At Hollywell, we offer tailored maintenance services for businesses across a diverse range of sectors. In addition to providing complete building services, we offer both reactive and preventative services – so if you are a business seeking professional protection this winter, our team of experts have you covered.
Our winter readiness services include everything from professional pipe insulation to regular maintenance and preventive inspections. Our experts assess your property, identifying high-risk areas and weak points, so we can provide targeted solutions that help protect pipes from freezing.
With Hollywell by your side, you can have peace of mind knowing your building’s plumbing is prepared for the season. We’ve helped countless commercial and public sector properties learn how to protect pipes from freezing, providing reliable services for winter maintenance.
Take proactive steps today to prepare for winter weather
Preparing your building for the winter months is a proactive investment in your business’s operations and the longevity of your property. Through effective insulation, regular maintenance and simple precautionary measures, you can avoid the costly and disruptive impact of frozen pipes.
Don’t wait until the winter freeze catches you off guard – contact us today to protect your pipes from freezing and prepare your business for winter. Let us handle your pre-winter inspections, so you can rest easy and focus on your business.