What to do now
- Leave the affected tap slightly open so you know the moment water returns.
- Warm any exposed pipe gently with towels soaked in warm water or a hair dryer on low. Never use a flame.
- Look along the pipe for splits or bulges. If you find one, turn the water off at the meter before it thaws.
- Once water flows again, check under the house and around outside taps for leaks.
Jobs this covers
- Repairing frost-split pipes
- Replacing exposed sections of pipe
- Insulating (lagging) pipes
- Moving pipes out of exposed spots
- Frost-damaged outdoor taps and hot water valves
Where it happens
Hard frosts are most common in higher and inland places such as Fern Tree, Collinsvale, the Derwent Valley and the Huon. An exposed pipe can freeze anywhere around Hobart on a still, clear night.
What changes the price
We do not publish prices, because every job is different. These are the things that move a quote up or down:
- How many splits there are
- Access to the damaged pipe
- The length of pipe replaced
- Adding insulation on the same visit
What to tell the plumber
- Which taps have no water
- Where your pipes are exposed: under the floor, outside walls, the south side
- Any split you can see
- Whether the water is off at the meter
Questions people ask
How do I stop it happening again?
Insulate exposed pipes, especially on the south side and under the floor, and fix dripping taps. Ask the plumber whether vulnerable sections can be rerouted.
Is my pipe frozen, or is the water off in my street?
Ask a neighbour or check TasWater's outage list. If they have water and you do not, suspect a frozen pipe.
Will a frozen pipe always burst?
No. Many thaw without damage. A split usually shows itself as a leak once the ice melts.