How to Avoid Frozen Pipes in 5 Ways This Winter
As we reach the "smack bang in the middle" stage of winter in Australia, knowing how to avoid frozen pipes can save you from the unwanted sound of a plumbing line splitting in the middle of a cold night.
When a blast of cold weather hits, exposed pipes in crawl spaces, exterior walls and even near the water meter can drop below zero before you even realise. But there are ways to avoid that happening.
Let’s take a look at five of the easiest ways to prevent plumbing pipes from freezing, and why calling on a licensed emergency plumber is crucial to avoiding unwanted stress and worry when you turn on the hot water tap.
1. Insulate Pipes & Meters on Exterior Walls
The first of our ways of how to avoid frozen pipes (and frozen meters) is the clever use of insulation.
Most frozen bursts start where exposed pipes hug exterior walls or snake through draughty crawl spaces. Slipping foam sleeves over copper or PVC sections and packing fibreglass batts between the pipe and wall cavity will go a long way towards preventing frozen pipes.
Wrapping pipes at critical bends with heat tape or an electric heating pad rated for potable water also helps; the built-in thermostat kicks in when temperatures drop below 2–5 °C. Don’t forget the water meter and any isolated water supply lines to outdoor taps.
Proper insulation keeps water moving freely. It also wards off avoidable pressure spikes and saves you the cost of repairing a burst pipe.
2. Keep Warm Air Moving Indoors
Circulating warm air is one of the easiest ways of how to avoid frozen pipes at home.
On cold nights, leave bathroom cabinet doors slightly open. This will allow heat to reach the slim pipes located behind them and keep a gentle cold water drip running at the farthest tap to maintain flow. Set your thermostat to the same temperature day and night; sudden setbacks invite ice crystals.
In laundries and garages that are prone to draughts, place a portable space heater well clear of flammable materials and household clutter, or direct central vents towards vulnerable corners. Small habits like these will keep cold air out and stop pipes from freezing and bursting.
3. Seal & Shield: Your Quick DIY Checklist
Small gaps let icy draughts in and chill your plumbing, so seal and shield now before it gets cold. Here are some helpful tips to follow:
- Seal air leaks around window frames, sill plates, cable penetrations and pipe chases.
- Keep garage doors closed and add rubber sweeps to block swirling cold air from the street.
- Fit insulated covers on outdoor hose bibs and cap unused taps on exterior walls.
- Staple heavy-duty plastic vapour barriers over vent panels in unheated crawl spaces.
- Apply adhesive-backed weather-stripping to loft hatches and service doors to trap warm air indoors.
Do these quick wins this weekend, and you’ll stop pipes from freezing without blowing your household budget.
4. Apply Gentle Heat
The penultimate in our list of how to avoid frozen pipes involves an electric heating pad wrapped around a stubborn bend or elbow in the pipe. This pad supplies a steady trickle of warmth that keeps the water moving when temperatures drop.
For extended lengths of pipework, self-regulating heat tape senses the pipe’s surface and energises only when it cools towards freezing. It can be a highly effective way of trimming power bills while guarding against a burst pipe. When you apply heat, make sure you start closest to a tap so any trapped steam can escape safely. Keep cables clear of insulation offcuts, paint tins and other flammable materials nearby.
Combined with a thermostat that turns on as temperatures fall, these low-profile heaters silently prevent frozen pipes with relative ease.
5. Use Gas or Electric Space Heaters Safely
It might seem too obvious to be true, but a well-placed portable space heater can flood a chilly laundry with warm air and stop hidden water pipes from icing over.
Choose the right unit for the setting: an electric convector for small rooms or a vent-free LPG heater for larger, well-ventilated workshops. Maintain a minimum 1-metre clearance on all sides; keep your heater away from curtains, cardboard or other flammable materials, and never rest the heater on towels soaked with household chemicals.
Plug electric models directly into a power point to avoid overloading extension leads. Maintain higher temperatures whenever cold weather bites, and you’ll prevent frozen pipes overnight.
When to a Call a Licensed Plumber
When it comes to knowing how to avoid frozen pipes, don’t wait for a crisis; call a licensed plumber the moment you notice problems.
A professional can winter-proof vulnerable joints before pipes freeze. They can thaw frozen pipes safely with specialised gear during an emergency and inspect for hidden cracks once the thaw sets in. If you see only a trickle at the tap, find damp plaster near a frozen pipe, or hear banging inside walls, act fast.
A plumber’s thermal camera spots additional frozen pipes behind insulation, and pressure testing confirms the system’s integrity. It’s also worth noting that any alterations, extensions or replacements to your plumbing pipes must, by law, be completed by a licensed plumber.
Quick intervention and knowing the common causes of burst pipes prevent costly damage and get your water supply back to normal.
Keep Winter Woes at Bay
Approach how to avoid frozen pipes with these five steps, and you’ll avoid the stress of burst plumbing pipes when temperatures drop.
By insulating exposed lines, sealing draughts, circulating warm air, adding targeted heat and keeping a licensed plumber on speed-dial, you build a defence that protects plumbing, safeguards water supply lines and keeps bills in check.
A small investment in foam sleeves, heat tape or a portable space heater is far less than replacing ceilings and flooring. Shut garage doors, leave cabinets ajar and maintain a steady temperature overnight – your pipes, wallet and peace of mind will all thank you.
Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “How to Avoid Frozen Pipes in 5 Ways This Winter”. This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See Cyber Plumbers’ Terms & Conditions here.
FAQs About Frozen Pipes in Winter
Got questions about how to avoid frozen pipes at home? We just might have the answers here.
Uninsulated sections routed through eaves or exterior walls can drop below 0°C while your living area stays cosy. Cold spots inside these hidden voids allow ice to form and restrict water flow.
Yes. Start near the tap and move towards the frozen area, keeping the dryer on a moderate setting and away from standing water to avoid electric shock. Never use open flames.
Only in well-ventilated spaces and never inside crawl spaces or cupboards; carbon monoxide build-up poses a serious risk. Keep combustible items well clear and follow the manufacturer’s guidance.
Costs vary with the pipe’s location and extent of damage. Expect costs for labour and materials, but proactive insulation and early intervention nearly always work out cheaper than full repairs after a major burst.
