With temperatures dropping to below freezing point the UK, many homeowners are facing the reality that winter isn’t just chilly, it can be costly too.
Freezing weather can pose serious risks to your home if you’re not prepared. At Uinsure, we want to help you protect what matters most with simple steps that can save you stress, property damage and unexpected costs.
How freezing temperatures affect pipes and plumbing
When the temperature drops, water inside pipes can freeze and expand. That expansion increases pressure, which can lead to pipes cracking or bursting. The damage that follows can be extensive. Burst pipes don’t just stop water flow. They can flood rooms, damage floors, walls and furniture, and lead to costly repairs.
Pipes in colder or unheated areas, like lofts, garages and exterior walls, are particularly vulnerable. These incidents often happen when homeowners are away, leaving the heating off or set too low (Source: Allianz, 2025).
The cost of freezing weather
Data shows that adverse weather events continue to drive large claims for UK homeowners. In 2024, insurers paid out £585 million in weather-related home damage from storms, flooding and freezing temperatures (Source: ABI, 2025).
One of the most common and expensive issues? Frozen and burst pipes. In 2023, roughly 12,000 weather-related burst pipe claims were made, with the average cost exceeding £17,000 (Source: ABI, 2025). And it can get worse – the highest single payment reported between 2023 and 2025 was a huge £566,000. This was due to extensive water damage caused by a burst pipe (Source: Allianz, 2025).
What’s clear is that freezing conditions, especially when paired with high energy prices and homes left colder than usual, create a perfect storm for home damage.
Practical steps to prevent frozen pipes
Simple precautions can dramatically reduce the risk of freezing pipes.
If it is possible for you, keep the heating on during cold spells
Maintaining a stable temperature will prevent water inside pipes from freezing. British Gas recommends keeping your thermostat set to at least 7°C. If you don’t own a thermostat then you can turn your heating on intermittently to keep the average temperature up. If you are away for an extended period, you can turn off the water supply before leaving.
Insulate exposed pipes and tanks
Pipes in areas like lofts and basements are more susceptible to freezing as these areas are less likely to be heated with radiators. Invest in getting them insulated now to save stressful and costly situations later.
Open cupboard doors under sinks
This cost-free and simple solution is often overlooked. Opening cupboard doors allows warmer air to circulate around plumbing in colder rooms, making pipes less likely to freeze.
Learn where your stopcock is and check that it works
The stopcock is used to temporarily turn off your water supply. It’s usually under the kitchen sink, in a utility room, the cellar, or under the stairs. It’s important to know where it is so you can turn off water flow if you suspect the pipes in your home have frozen.
Know the signs of frozen pipes
Knowing there’s a problem is key in helping you prevent further damage. The most common signs are getting little or no water from a faucet, seeing frost or condensation on pipes, hearing gurgling/banging or seeing bulging pipes. This is particularly worth checking after a cold night.
What to do if you find frozen pipes
If you suspect the pipes have frozen the first thing to do is turn off your water supply using the stopcock. This prevents more water flowing into the pipes which will reduce the likelihood of pipes cracking or bursting.
After contacting your insurer, get in touch with a qualified plumber as soon as you can. They can help thaw the pipes safely using professional equipment, plus diagnose and repair any damage that may have already occurred.
If you want to warm the pipes before the plumber arrives then apply warm (not boiling) water to a cloth and gently rub it along the pipes. You can also use a hairdryer on a low-medium heat setting. Never use an open flame to thaw the pipes.
Remember, acting early can be key to reducing damage or preventing it entirely.
If the worst happens
Even with preparation, things can still go wrong. That’s where your home insurance comes in. If you do experience internal damage due to frozen pipes:
✓ Document the issue with photos if it’s safe to do so
✓ Contact your insurer as soon as possible
✓ Keep receipts for any repairs
✓ Ask your insurer about next steps to make a claim
Cold spells are part of British winters, but with a bit of planning and awareness you can reduce the risk of major issues.
For more tips on keeping your home and yourself safe in winter, we’ve created the ‘Be Winter Ready’ booklet. In there you will find advice on staying warm, protecting your home from burglars, reducing flooding risks and more.
Download Uinsure’s ‘Be Winter Ready’ booklet by clicking here.