Frozen Pipes – Emergency Plumbers Birmingham
When temperatures drop below freezing, one of the most common winter plumbing emergencies homeowners face is frozen pipes. If not dealt with quickly, frozen pipes can burst, causing major water leaks and property damage. At Afterglow Plumbing & Heating, our team of emergency plumbers in Birmingham are available to quickly locate and repair frozen or burst pipes across the city — from Selly Oak and Harborne to Erdington, Sutton Coldfield, and beyond.
Contact our Emergency Plumbers in Birmingham
Why Do Pipes Freeze?
Pipes freeze when the water inside them cools to 0°C or below, expanding as it turns to ice. This expansion creates pressure inside the pipe — and that pressure can cause it to split or burst.
Common causes include:
- Poor insulation in lofts, garages, or under floors
- Sudden drops in outdoor temperature
- Long periods with no heating on (especially in empty properties)
- Exposed garden taps and external pipework
What Happens When Pipes Freeze?
When a pipe freezes, water flow stops completely. You might notice:
- No water coming from taps
- Toilets not refilling
- Gurgling sounds in the system
- Frost or condensation on visible pipes
If left untreated, the pipe may burst once the ice begins to thaw, releasing water under pressure. Burst pipes can cause significant damage to ceilings, walls, and floors — especially in loft spaces or behind plasterboard.
Frozen Pipes in Lofts and Bungalows
Many homes in Birmingham, particularly bungalows, are at higher risk because most of their plumbing runs through the loft. In these unheated spaces, pipes can quickly drop below freezing during cold weather.
We’ve seen countless frozen pipes and tanks in lofts across Kings Heath, Hall Green, Northfield, and Great Barr. A frozen tank in a loft can not only cut off your water supply but also cause serious flooding if it bursts.
To protect loft pipework:
- Ensure pipes and tanks are properly lagged (insulated)
- Keep loft hatches slightly open to allow warm air to circulate
- Set your heating to come on regularly, even at a low temperature
Garden Taps and Outdoor Pipework
External taps and pipes are especially vulnerable to freezing. A frozen garden tap can easily lead to a burst pipe inside the wall where it connects to your plumbing system.
How to protect outdoor taps:
- Fit an insulated tap cover during winter
- Turn off and drain the outside tap supply if not in use
- Use frost-proof outdoor taps where possible
Advice from Insurance Companies
Most insurance providers recommend that you keep your property above 15°C during winter — even when unoccupied — to help prevent frozen pipes. This small measure can save thousands in potential water damage claims.
Modern smart thermostats and heating systems often include setback temperatures, which maintain a minimum level of warmth even when the heating is “off.” Setting this feature correctly ensures that pipes in lofts, garages, and external walls stay above freezing.
If your home will be empty for an extended period, ask a neighbour or family member to check on it periodically and run the taps to keep water moving.
Our Expertise – Afterglow Plumbing & Heating
At Afterglow Plumbing & Heating, we have extensive experience dealing with frozen and burst pipes across Birmingham. Our emergency plumbers are equipped to locate, thaw, and repair frozen pipes safely and efficiently, preventing further damage.
We cover all areas of Birmingham, including:
Sutton Coldfield, Erdington, Harborne, Kings Norton, Hall Green, Northfield, Stirchley, Selly Oak, Great Barr, Yardley, and Moseley.
If you suspect a frozen or burst pipe, don’t wait — turn off your stop tap immediately and call our team.
Visit our Emergency Plumbers Birmingham page for fast assistance
FAQs – Frozen Pipes in Birmingham
1. How can I tell if my pipes are frozen?
You may notice no water flow from taps, strange noises in the system, or visible frost on the pipes.
2. What should I do if I have a frozen pipe in Erdington or Harborne?
Turn off the water supply at the stop tap and contact Afterglow Plumbing & Heating, your local emergency plumbers in Birmingham.
3. Can I use a hairdryer to thaw a frozen pipe?
Yes, you can gently warm the pipe starting from the tap end, but never use open flames or blowtorches.
4. How do I prevent my garden tap in Sutton Coldfield from freezing?
Fit an insulated tap cover and shut off the external water feed before winter.
5. Is my home insurance likely to cover burst pipes?
Most insurance policies cover burst pipe damage, but not if the property was left without heating or below the advised temperature.
Need a fast response for a frozen or burst pipe in Birmingham?
Call Afterglow Plumbing & Heating — trusted emergency plumbers in Birmingham ready to help day or night.
