How can I tell if my pipes have frozen?

The most obvious sign is reduced or no water flow from taps when you turn them on. You may also notice frost on visible pipes in your loft, garage, or under the kitchen sink. If a pipe looks swollen or has visible cracks, do not attempt to thaw it yourself and call a plumber immediately.

Is it safe to use a hairdryer to thaw a frozen pipe?

A hairdryer on a low setting can help with minor freezing on accessible copper pipes, but it is not recommended for plastic pipes or pipes you cannot fully see. Uneven heating can cause thermal shock and split the pipe. A qualified plumber uses controlled methods that reduce this risk significantly.

How much does frozen pipe repair cost in Liverpool?

The cost depends on the location and severity of the freeze. Simple thawing of an accessible pipe is typically less expensive than replacing a cracked section behind a wall. Your plumber will assess the situation and provide a clear, upfront quote before starting any work.

Frozen Pipe Repair in Liverpool

When temperatures across Merseyside drop below freezing, pipes in lofts, garages, and exterior walls are at serious risk of freezing solid. A frozen pipe that is not dealt with quickly can crack and burst, flooding your property and causing thousands of pounds in damage. OnCall Home Repairs connects you with vetted, local plumbers who can safely thaw frozen pipes and carry out any repairs needed — day or night, including weekends and bank holidays.

Get a Free Quote 0333 240 8428

Why Frozen Pipes Are a Serious Risk in Liverpool

Liverpool sits in the East Midlands where winter temperatures regularly dip below zero. Many of the town’s older properties — particularly the Victorian and Edwardian terraces around New Street and the Chapel Hill area — have pipework routed through uninsulated loft spaces and against exterior walls. These pipes are especially vulnerable when cold snaps set in overnight.

When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands and puts enormous pressure on the pipe walls. Copper pipes can split along a seam, and plastic pipes may crack at joints. The real danger comes when the ice thaws: water rushes through the damaged section and can flood ceilings, walls, and floors before you even notice the leak.

Our network of emergency plumbers understands the specific risks Merseyside winters pose to local housing stock. They carry the equipment needed to thaw pipes safely without causing further damage, and can repair or replace any sections that have already cracked. If a frozen pipe has already burst, our plumbers also handle burst pipe repair and flood response to minimise the damage.

What to Expect During a Frozen Pipe Repair

Call and Describe the Problem

Ring 0333 240 8428 and tell us which taps have stopped working, whether you can see any frost or bulging on exposed pipes, and where the affected pipes are located. This helps us match you with the right plumber quickly.

Locate and Assess the Frozen Section

Your plumber will identify the frozen section using thermal detection and visual inspection. They will check for any cracks, splits, or joint failures that may have already occurred before the ice has melted.

Safe Thawing and Repair

Using controlled heat application, the plumber will gradually thaw the pipe to prevent thermal shock. If the pipe has cracked, the damaged section is cut out and replaced with new pipework. Joints are pressure-tested to confirm the repair is sound.

Prevention Advice

Once the repair is complete, your plumber will advise on insulation for vulnerable pipes, including lagging for loft pipework and exterior wall runs. Proper insulation can prevent the same problem from recurring next winter.

Related Emergency Services

Burst Pipe Repair Flood Response Boiler Repair

Frozen Pipe Repair Across Liverpool

Our plumbers attend frozen pipe emergencies across Liverpool, Toxteth, Allerton, Woolton, and the surrounding villages. Properties in older parts of town and those with loft conversions or conservatories are particularly susceptible during cold weather. Wherever you are in Merseyside, we can connect you with a plumber who knows the area and can reach you promptly.

LiverpoolToxtethAllertonWooltonWavertreeWaltonCrosbyBootleHuytonKirkbyAigburthGarstonChildwallWest DerbyAnfieldEverton

Frequently Asked Questions

Frozen Pipes? Act Before They Burst.

Do not wait for a frozen pipe to crack and flood your home. Call OnCall Home Repairs and we will connect you with a vetted plumber in Liverpool who can thaw and repair frozen pipes safely — any time of day or night.

Call 0333 240 8428 Request a Callback