Cold snaps put real pressure on pipework, especially in older homes. Since water expands as it freezes, a frozen pipe can crack or split without warning. A few steps before winter can limit the damage.
Pipes in lofts, garages and under floors face the biggest risk, since these spots often miss out on the warmth of the rest of the house. We see this regularly in the older stock around Reddish and Romiley. Lag any exposed pipework before the cold sets in, and keep your heating on low overnight during a freeze.
If a tap stops running, don't assume it's just a leak elsewhere. Since a frozen pipe often turns out to be the real cause, check for ice on any visible pipework first. Then request an emergency plumber if you can't find or reach it yourself.
Never use a naked flame to thaw a frozen pipe. A hairdryer or hot water bottle works far more safely, run gently along the length of the pipe. This is the same careful approach our engineers use on the older properties around Bredbury.
After a freeze, check your pipes as the weather warms. A split can hide behind ice and only leak once the ice melts. Because of this, watch for drips and damp patches.
If a pipe has already burst, turn off the stopcock straight away and request help. Since the damage grows the longer water keeps flowing, speed matters more than anything else at that point.
Our drain repair team covers Stockport town centre and the surrounding area, including Edgeley and Didsbury, for exactly this kind of emergency. Get in touch any time.
