Frozen pipes thawed in two hours using kitchen cupboard trick

A homeowner opened kitchen cupboard doors and raised the heating after temperatures fell to about -5°C, and reports frozen pipes thawed within two hours; British Gas advises thawing frozen pipes with hot (not boiling) water and ensuring pipes are insulated.

UK households have faced sub-zero temperatures and some residents have encountered frozen water pipes. Frozen pipes form when water inside plumbing freezes, which can disrupt heating and hot water systems and may lead to leaks or bursts, the article reports. One homeowner says they opened kitchen and downstairs loo cupboard doors where pipes run along external walls to allow warmer room air to circulate around concealed plumbing. They also increased the heating and observed water flow return within about two hours. Key points: - Temperatures fell to around -5°C and frozen pipes result from water freezing in insufficiently insulated pipework, the article reports. - The homeowner opened kitchen and downstairs loo cupboards and raised indoor heating to let warm air reach the pipes. - The homeowner reports the pipes thawed and normal water flow returned in roughly two hours. - British Gas is quoted advising that identified frozen pipes can be thawed by pouring hot but not boiling water over them, using a hot water bottle to assist, and by ensuring exposed pipes and hose pipes are insulated. Summary: The article reports that allowing warmer room air to circulate around concealed pipes helped thaw them quickly and restored water flow, reducing immediate risk of leaks. Undetermined at this time.