Frozen Pipes
Frozen Pipes | Emergency Plumbing | Plumbing | Manchester
When a Manchester cold snap turns your pipes into ice-blocks, you need more than a mop and a hopeful smile—you need HEP’s rapid-response team. We arrive fast, armed with thermal thawing gear, pipe-repair parts and a decade of local know-how, so you can stop worrying about burst joints, hidden leaks or water damage spreading through your home or business. From Ancoats apartments to Stockport semis, our engineers track down the frozen section, restore flow and reinforce weak spots before the next frost bites.
Our 24/7 emergency plumbing service is built around clear pricing, tidy workmanship and genuine care for your property. One call to HEP connects you to certified professionals who answer within minutes, keep you updated at every step and won’t leave until the heat—and your peace of mind—is back on. Save the number now, and let the city’s dedicated frost-fighters stand guard over your pipes all winter long.
FAQs
What should I do immediately when I realise a pipe is frozen?
First, turn off the water supply at the stop tap to reduce pressure and minimise flooding risk if the pipe bursts. Next, open the affected tap to relieve pressure inside the pipe. Never use an open flame; instead, gently warm the pipe with a hair-dryer, hot-water bottles, or warm towels. Then call our 24/7 emergency line so a qualified Manchester plumber can attend, assess the situation and safely thaw or repair the pipe.
How fast can your emergency plumbers reach me in Manchester?
We have engineers stationed across Greater Manchester, including the city centre, Salford, Stockport, Bury, Bolton and Trafford. In most cases we arrive within 60 minutes of your call, day or night. During severe cold snaps response times may vary, but our dispatch system sends the nearest available plumber straight to you and keeps you updated by text and phone.
What methods do you use to thaw frozen pipes safely?
Our plumbers use controlled, progressive heat. This may include low-voltage pipe thawing machines, commercial heat mats, or warm air blowers. We monitor pipe temperature with infrared thermometers to avoid rapid expansion that causes cracking. If any section is damaged or split, we isolate it and carry out on-the-spot repairs using copper or plastic push-fit fittings, then pressure-test the line before restoring your water supply.
Will my home insurance cover the cost of frozen or burst pipe repairs?
Most household policies cover "escape of water" and resulting damage, but terms differ. Labour to fix the actual pipe may be covered or classed as home maintenance. We provide itemised invoices, photographs, and a written report that you can forward to your insurer. If you have trace-and-access cover, our leak detection charges are often reimbursed as well.
What warning signs indicate that a frozen pipe has already burst?
Key indicators include damp patches on ceilings or walls, a sudden drop in boiler pressure, constant running of the water meter, unusual dripping noises behind plasterboard, or visible bulging in the pipe. If you notice any of these, shut off the water and call us immediately—delaying even an hour can multiply water damage costs.
How can I prevent my pipes from freezing again in the future?
• Insulate loft, garage and external wall pipes with high-grade foam lagging. • Fix dripping taps; even small flows increase freezing risk. • Keep the thermostat at 12–15 °C when you’re away. • Open loft and cupboard doors to let warm air circulate around pipework. • Fit trace heating cables on vulnerable external mains. • Book our winter pipe health-check—one of our Manchester engineers will inspect insulation, check stop taps, and advise on upgrades that qualify for energy-efficiency grants.