Advice on frozen pipes
Where there is no water to a tap
Make sure the tap is turned off. Exposed pipes to the tap can be heated with a hairdryer on a warm setting. Be very aware and extremely careful of using electrical appliances near water as this can be dangerous. If more than one tap has no water then the supply pipe is likely frozen.
For blocked kitchen sinks, baths, wash hand basin and WC pan
Pour boiling water into the sink/basin. Salt can be added first if available. Internal kitchen water and waste pipes can be heated with a hairdryer on a warm setting. Again, please be very careful as using electrical appliances near water as this can be dangerous. A frozen stack is the likely cause.
More advice:
- Turning up your heating will help prevent pipes freezing inside. However, this may not be an option for many people because of the cost of living crisis.
- Find your water stopcock and make sure it can be accessed quickly.
- If a burst pipe occurs - turn your stopcock off and close all taps and get in touch with the Contact Centre.
- If you cannot get the stopcock turned off - open all taps and get in touch with the Contact Centre.
- You will also need to switch off your boiler/immersion heater.
- If you leave your house and can afford to do so, leave the heating on, even to a low setting.
In the event of an exceptionally high volume of calls it will be necessary to prioritise the repairs service to attend to those most in need first.
More information
For more information about preventing frozen pipes visit the Scottish Water website