Frost-Proofing Your Pipes: A Blue Mountains and Lithgow Guide

Why frost splits pipes

Water expands as it freezes. In a pipe with nowhere for that expansion to go, the pressure can split the pipe or a fitting. The damage often shows only when the ice thaws and water starts to flow, which is why a leak can appear hours after the cold has passed.

Where it happens

• Outdoor taps and exposed pipes on external walls.
• Pipes in roof spaces and under houses with little insulation.
• Pipework around the hot water system and its fittings.
• Pipes near vents, gaps and draughts.

What to do before winter

• Insulate exposed pipes outside, in roof spaces and under the house.
• Cover or insulate outdoor taps, and disconnect hoses.
• Find your main water tap and make sure everyone in the house knows where it is.
• Have gas heaters and hot water systems serviced before the cold arrives.
• Fix any draughts that let cold air onto pipework.

If a pipe freezes

If a tap runs dry after a freezing night, a pipe may be frozen. Don't use a naked flame to thaw it. Turn off the water at the main, because a frozen pipe may already be split and a thaw can start a leak, then open taps to drain the system and call a plumber.

If a pipe bursts

• Turn off the water at the main right away.
• If it's a hot water pipe, switch off the hot water system.
• Open taps to drain the pipes, and mop up what you can.
• Photograph the damage for your insurer.
• Keep clear of electrical points near water, and call a plumber.

Water pressure on steep blocks

In the Blue Mountains, steep blocks can see big differences in water pressure from the top of a street to the bottom. Constant high pressure strains pipes, taps and hot water systems, so if you've had repeated leaks, ask a plumber to check the pressure and consider a pressure-limiting valve.

Next steps

See our Blue Mountains plumber and Lithgow plumber pages, our burst pipes service, or get in touch. For typical prices, see what a plumber costs to fix a leak.