Frozen pipes

Biblioklept

I only just learned that this can happen in cold weather and how bad it can be if pipes burst as a result.

Last year my garden tap was completely frozen and had ice poking out the end of it and I didn't realise that it was bad and now I'm wondering if I'm meant to do something to stop them freezing? Especially the outdoor tap?? 

Albus_Scope

It can be a problem aye. You can put foam over the pipes and tap which will help prevent the freeze. 

Biblioklept

Thank you!! I've been panicking a lot about it and read all sorts of guides on having to isolate the pipe and all sorts and getting quite stressed. I'm going to make the tap a cute little coat and hope for the best

Jimm_Scope

Garden pipes are usually fine because there isn't water sitting in the pipe outdoors.

It's pipes with some water still in them when it freezes that is the big issue, as the water turning into ice takes up more volume and bursts the pipes.

66Mustang

We have an outside tap and it exploded one Christmas Eve. Water spraying everywhere etc.

We called out the only plumber who was available - a 75 year old bloke who seemed to think swearing at it repeatedly was how to fix it - but he did fix it in the end and didn't charge us, so we gave him six bottles of wine.  

Sorry that's no help but just reminded me.

Jimm_Scope

Well I've been proven wrong almost immediately. I genuinely thought they were less at risk of bursting, I assume a smart designer would have the valve be within the house, but I went out (into the damn cold) and check our own outdoor tap. While the pip does only stick out a few cm from the building, the valve is right there. So theoretically could freeze.

Biblioklept

Jimm_Scope said:

Well I've been proven wrong almost immediately. I genuinely thought they were less at risk of bursting, I assume a smart designer would have the valve be within the house, but I went out (into the damn cold) and check our own outdoor tap. While the pip does only stick out a few cm from the building, the valve is right there. So theoretically could freeze.

Yeah I saw you're meant to turn the valve off but I can't seem to find mine. It's one of those things that's making me wish I wasn't living alone!!                 :

66Mustang said:

We have an outside tap and it exploded one Christmas Eve. Water spraying everywhere etc.

We called out the only plumber who was available - a 75 year old bloke who seemed to think swearing at it repeatedly was how to fix it - but he did fix it in the end and didn't charge us, so we gave him six bottles of wine.  

Sorry that's no help but just reminded me.

I'm really glad you told me!! Makes me realise it isn't just my own anxiety making me stress about it. My little tap coat probably isn't the best idea but I do need to think of something because I can't call out a plumber ever

WelshBlue

Look for an isolator tap like these between your outdoor tap and indoor plumbing



Both these are in the 'open' position.  Once turned off, leave your garden tap turned open,  Any water left in the pipe then has room to expand if frozen.  

woodbine

our insolation for the outdoor tap is under the kitchen sink, you can also buy a number of different things for insulating them usually amazon a good a place as any.

Autism_at_40

I used to live in a caravan and my landlord told me to keep the tap running a little bit and it can't freeze.

Biblioklept

WelshBlue said:

Look for an isolator tap like these between your outdoor tap and indoor plumbing



Both these are in the 'open' position.  Once turned off, leave your garden tap turned open,  Any water left in the pipe then has room to expand if frozen.  

I haven't found it yet but if it ends up lookling like the one on the left do I just use a screwdriver to like turn the line bit to go the other way?

66Mustang

I’m no plumber @Biblioklept

but was always taught

Lefty-loosey, Righty-tighty

In other words turn left to loosen or open, turn right to tighten or close