British Gas has issued an urgent warning to tens of thousands of households across the UK as a severe cold snap takes hold, with forecasts predicting temperatures will plunge below freezing throughout January.
Widespread Heating Help May Be Needed
The energy giant has cautioned that at least 54,000 homes nationwide could require assistance with their heating and hot water systems during the icy spell. This alert comes as the UK braces for a prolonged period of sub-zero conditions, which significantly increases the risk of domestic heating failures.
The warning is based on historical data, with the company revealing that over 1.2 million customers contacted British Gas engineers last year to repair faulty boilers and restore essential heating. The primary culprit during such cold weather is often frozen pipes.
Expert Advice on Thawing and Prevention
Joanna Flowers, a British Gas service and repair engineer, explained the common issue. "Frozen pipes are one of the most common issues we see during cold snaps," she said. "The good news is they're usually simple to sort out if you act quickly."
For households who find their heating has failed or taps have stopped running, she outlined a clear step-by-step process:
- Locate the frozen section – in modern condensing boilers, this is most likely the condensate pipe.
- Thaw it safely by slowly pouring hot (never boiling) water over the pipe, then place a hot water bottle over it.
- Once thawed, reset the boiler. If the pipe was the issue, it should restart normally.
However, the situation is more serious with a burst pipe. "Turn off the water supply at the stopcock straight away," Flowers advised. "Open all the taps to drain the system and keep the supply off until a qualified engineer can assess the damage and carry out the repair."
Proactive Steps to Avoid Costly Damage
The engineer strongly urged homeowners to take preventative action. "Frozen pipes can cause serious damage, often cracking or bursting when water turns to ice," she warned. "The simplest way to avoid costly repairs is to stop them from freezing in the first place."
Her key recommendation is to lag pipes with inexpensive insulation available from DIY stores, which helps retain warmth and reduce heat loss. British Gas also suggests several other measures to keep homes warm and systems running:
- Ensure boilers receive regular maintenance.
- Bleed your radiators to improve efficiency.
- Keep draughts at bay by ensuring windows and doors are properly sealed.
- Avoid heating rooms that are not in use, such as unused conservatories or home offices.
With the cold front set to linger, taking these steps now could prevent households from becoming part of the thousands seeking emergency help in the coming weeks.
