When winter rolls in and temperatures take a nosedive, your plumbing and heating system suddenly has a much harder job to do. Frozen pipes, boiler breakdowns, and that “why has everything chosen today to stop working?” moment are all far too common this time of year.
The good news? Most winter plumbing disasters are completely avoidable with a bit of forward planning. So, in true DTS fashion, here are our no-nonsense, tried-and-tested tips to keep your home warm, dry, and drama-free this winter.
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes (Future You Will Thank You)
Pipes in lofts, garages, cupboards on external walls, and anywhere that feels a bit nippy are the first to freeze when temperatures drop.
Foam pipe insulation is cheap, easy to fit, and surprisingly effective — think of it as a winter coat for your pipework.
Top tip:
Pay special attention to outdoor taps and boiler condensate pipes. These are winter’s favourite targets.
2. Keep the Heating On (Yes, Even When You’re Away)
Heading off for a winter break or staying with family? Don’t switch everything off and hope for the best.
Set your heating to a low, constant temperature — around 12–15°C is ideal. It keeps pipes warm enough to prevent freezing without turning your home into a sauna or sending your energy bills into orbit.
3. Know Where Your Stopcock Is (Before You Need It)
If a pipe does freeze and burst, shutting off the water quickly can be the difference between a small repair and a very soggy living room.
Make sure you know where your stopcock is — and that it actually turns. Even better, make sure everyone else in the house knows too. It’s not the sort of thing you want to be Googling at 2am.
4. Look After Your Boiler (It’s Working Overtime)
Winter is peak season for boilers. If yours is already struggling, cold weather will finish the job.
Keep an eye (and ear) out for warning signs such as:
- Strange banging, whistling, or gurgling noises
- Low pressure
- Radiators not heating properly
- No hot water when you need it most
A professional boiler service before winter hits helps catch problems early — and is far cheaper than an emergency call-out on the coldest day of the year.
5. Protect Your Boiler Condensate Pipe
One of the most common winter boiler issues we see is a frozen condensate pipe. When this freezes, the boiler shuts down as a safety measure — usually at the exact moment you need heating.
Insulating the pipe or rerouting it internally where possible can massively reduce the risk of freezing and save you an unnecessary breakdown.
6. Book a Winter Health Check (Prevention Beats Panic)
The simplest way to avoid winter breakdowns is to get ahead of them. A winter plumbing and heating check allows us to spot small issues before they turn into big, expensive ones.
Think of it as an MOT for your home — except it keeps you warm and doesn’t involve a waiting room.
Don’t Wait for a Winter Breakdown
If you’d rather spend winter warm and comfortable — instead of Googling “emergency plumber near me” — we’re here to help.
Contact DTS Plumbing & Heating to book your boiler service or winter plumbing check today.
You can also ask us about our Cosy Care Plan, which helps spread the cost of boiler care and gives you extra peace of mind through the colder months.