Seasonal Prep

Winterising Your Surrey Home: Avoiding Burst Pipes and Frost Damage

Winter in Surrey can bring freezing temperatures, icy mornings, and unexpected cold snaps. While picturesque, these conditions can pose serious risks to your home—especially your plumbing. Burst pipes, frozen taps, boiler breakdowns, and frost damage commonly hit homeowners between December and February.

The good news? A little preparation now can save you thousands in repairs later. Here’s your complete guide to winterising your Surrey home and keeping it safe, warm, and damage-free all season long.

1. Insulate Pipes and Tanks in Cold-Prone Areas

Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter emergencies for Surrey homeowners.

What to insulate:

• Loft and attic pipes

• Garage pipework

• Outdoor taps and garden feeds

• Cold-water tanks

• Pipes near external walls

Use high-quality foam lagging and ensure there are no gaps. Even a small uninsulated section can freeze.

2. Keep Your Heating On Low During Cold Snaps

A steady, low heat prevents pipes from dropping to freezing temperatures.

Set your boiler to:

• 15–18°C (59–64°F) when you’re home

• 12–15°C (53–59°F) if you’re away overnight

• Keep heating timers active for early-morning temperature drops

This not only protects your pipes, but also prevents damp, mould, and frost damage in unoccupied rooms.

3. Know Where Your Stopcock Is

If a pipe bursts, every minute matters.

Make sure everyone in your household knows how to:

1. Locate the main stopcock

2. Turn it off quickly

3. Safely drain the system

Typical locations: under the kitchen sink, in the utility room, or under the stairs.

4. Protect Outdoor Taps

Outside taps are exposed to the harshest winter conditions.

To protect them:

• Fit an insulated tap cover

• Turn off the outdoor water feed from inside

• Drain any remaining water from the pipe

• Disconnect and store garden hoses

This simple step can prevent costly damage to external pipework and internal backfeeds.

5. Service Your Boiler Before Peak Winter

A healthy boiler is essential for both heating and hot water—especially during freezing weather.

Boiler servicing helps:

• Prevent winter breakdowns

• Improve efficiency

• Reduce risk of carbon monoxide leaks

• Extend boiler lifespan

Aim for an annual service with a Gas Safe registered engineer before temperatures drop.

6. Improve Loft and Cavity Insulation

Good insulation prevents heat loss, reduces energy bills, and keeps pipes and tanks warmer.

Check your home for:

• Loft insulation at least 270mm deep

• Properly insulated loft hatches

• Draught-free gaps around pipes and cables

• Cavity wall insulation checks

A well-insulated home is far less likely to suffer from frost-related issues.

7. Seal Draughts and Cold Entry Points

Cold air entering your home can lower internal temperatures enough to freeze exposed pipes.

Seal around:

• Window frames

• Door frames

• Loft hatches

• Pipe entry holes

• Air vents (only safe-to-seal non-essential gaps)

Use silicone sealant, foam filler, or draught-proofing strips.

8. Install Smart Thermostats and Frost Protection

Modern smart thermostats help maintain your home’s temperature automatically.

Features that help prevent winter plumbing issues:

• Frost-protection mode

• Remote temperature control

• Automated heating schedules

• Temperature alerts to your phone

Some boilers also have built-in frost protection—make sure it’s enabled.

9. What to Do If a Pipe Freezes

If you turn on a tap and no water flows, a pipe may be frozen.

Do NOT:

• Use naked flames

• Use boiling water

• Hit or bend the pipe

Do:

• Turn off the stopcock

• Open the affected tap

• Gently warm the pipe using a hairdryer or towel soaked in warm water

• Call a plumber if you are unsure

Acting fast can prevent a burst and reduce repair costs.

10. What to Do If a Pipe Bursts

1. Turn off the stopcock immediately

2. Switch off your boiler and electric immersion heater

3. Drain the system by opening all taps

4. Catch leaking water with buckets

5. Move valuables away from the leak

6. Call an emergency plumber

Demand spikes during Surrey winters—so it’s wise to keep a local emergency number saved.

Final Winter Home Tips for Surrey Residents

• Check roof tiles for storm damage

• Clear gutters to prevent ice blockages

• Trim branches near the home to avoid winter breakage

• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

• Keep heavy snow away from boiler flue outlets

A few hours of preparation can protect your home from thousands of pounds of damage and weeks of disruption.