How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Exeter This Winter

Exeter winters can be unpredictable. While we don't see the extreme cold of northern UK, temperatures regularly drop below freezing, especially during December through February. When they do, your home's pipes are at risk.

Why Exeter Pipes Are Particularly Vulnerable

Many Exeter properties, particularly in areas like St. Thomas, Heavitree, and St. Leonards, were built in the Victorian era. These older homes often have:

• Pipes running through unheated loft spaces
• Poor insulation in exterior walls
• Lead or aging copper pipes more susceptible to damage
• External pipes feeding outside taps or garden hoses

7 Essential Steps to Prevent Frozen Pipes

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Focus on pipes in your loft, garage, and along external walls. Foam pipe insulation costs just a few pounds per metre and can save you thousands. Pay special attention to:

• Cold water tanks in the loft
• Pipes near air bricks
• Any pipework in unheated spaces

2. Keep Your Heating On (Even When Away)

If you're going away during winter, don't turn your heating off completely. Set your thermostat to 12-15°C. Yes, this costs money, but it's far cheaper than repairing burst pipe damage.

3. Know Where Your Stopcock Is

In an emergency, you need to shut off your water supply immediately. Your stopcock is usually under the kitchen sink or where the mains enters your property. Make sure everyone in your household knows its location.

4. Disconnect External Hoses

Before winter arrives, disconnect garden hoses and drain external taps. Water left in these can freeze and cause the pipe to burst inside your wall.

5. Open Cabinet Doors on Cold Nights

Opening doors under sinks allows warm air to circulate around pipes. This is particularly important for pipes on external walls.

6. Let Taps Drip During Extreme Cold

When temperatures are forecast to drop below -3°C, let a tap drip slightly overnight. Moving water is much less likely to freeze.

7. Service Your Boiler Annually

A well-maintained boiler is less likely to break down during cold snaps when you need it most. Our Gas Safe engineers can ensure your heating system is winter-ready.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

If you suspect a pipe has frozen (no water from taps, visible frost on pipes):

1. Don't panic – A frozen pipe isn't always a burst pipe
2. Turn off your water at the stopcock
3. Open all taps to relieve pressure
4. Call us immediately – Don't attempt to thaw pipes yourself with direct heat
5. Never use a blowtorch – This can cause pipes to burst

When to Call a Professional

Don't wait until disaster strikes. Call Absolute Plumbing & Heating if:

• You're unsure whether your pipes are adequately insulated
• You've had frozen pipes in previous winters
• You're going away and want peace of mind
• You suspect a pipe has frozen but hasn't burst yet
• You need emergency help with a burst pipe

Final Thoughts

Prevention is always better (and cheaper) than cure. With Devon's increasingly unpredictable winters, taking these steps now could save you from a plumbing disaster. A small investment in pipe insulation and regular maintenance pays dividends when temperatures plummet.

Our team at Absolute Plumbing & Heating has been serving Exeter homes for over 10 years. We're Gas Safe registered (565047) and available 24/7 for emergencies. Whether you need preventative advice or urgent repairs, we're here to help.