Your Winter Plumbing Checklist: Preventing Frozen Pipes

As temperatures drop across South East London, protecting your home's plumbing becomes crucial. At Greenwich Plumbing Company, we've helped countless homeowners across Blackheath, Charlton, and surrounding areas deal with frozen and burst pipes. Here's your essential winter checklist to keep your plumbing flowing smoothly through the cold months.

Identify Your Vulnerable Pipes

Start by locating pipes that are most at risk of freezing. In South East London homes, these typically include:

• Pipes in unheated spaces like lofts and garages
• External pipes and outdoor taps
• Pipes running along external walls
• Plumbing in conservatories or unused rooms

Essential Prevention Steps

1. Insulate Your Pipes

Invest in good quality pipe insulation (lagging) for exposed pipework. This is particularly important in lofts and other unheated spaces. While the South East generally experiences milder winters than other parts of the UK, we're seeing more extreme cold snaps that can catch homeowners off guard.

2. Keep Your Heating Consistent

During cold spells, maintain a steady temperature in your home, even when you're away. Set your heating to come on regularly throughout the day, keeping the internal temperature above 12°C at minimum. This is especially important for period properties in areas like Greenwich and Blackheath, where older heating systems may need extra attention.

3. Fix Draughts

Check for and seal any draughts around pipes, particularly where they enter your home through external walls. Cold air flowing directly onto pipes significantly increases freezing risk.

Know Where Your Stopcock Is

Every member of your household should know the location of your main stopcock. In most South East London properties, it's typically found:

• Under the kitchen sink
• In a downstairs bathroom
• Near the front door
• In a utility room

Test it periodically to ensure it turns easily – this could save valuable time in an emergency.

Signs of Frozen Pipes

Be alert to these early warning signs:

• Little or no water flow from taps
• Unusual noises when taps are turned on
• Frost on exposed pipes
• Unusual odours from drains or taps

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

If you suspect frozen pipes:

1. Turn off your water at the stopcock immediately
2. Open the affected tap to allow the thawed water to flow
3. Never use direct heat like blowtorches
4. Contact a professional plumber for safe thawing

Professional Help

With over 30 years of experience handling winter plumbing emergencies across South East London, Greenwich Plumbing Company is here to help. Whether you need preventative maintenance or assistance with frozen pipes, our experienced team covers Blackheath, Charlton, Eltham, Middlepark, Plumstead, Thamesmead, and Woolwich.

Remember, prevention is always better – and cheaper – than dealing with burst pipes. If you'd like a professional inspection of your plumbing system before winter hits, contact us today for peace of mind through the cold months ahead.