Emergency plumbing

Frozen pipe repair across Ireland

Frozen pipes can burst and cause serious water damage. Get fast help from local plumbers across all 26 counties.

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Fast responseburst pipe repairfrost prevention advice

Signs your pipes may be frozen

When temperatures drop below zero, water inside pipes can freeze and expand, putting enormous pressure on joints and pipe walls. Acting quickly limits the risk of a burst.

No water coming from a tap despite the stopcock being open
A section of pipe with visible frost or ice on the outside
A pipe that looks bulged, swollen, or deformed
Gurgling or unusual sounds from pipes during cold weather
A tap that runs for a moment then stops completely
Cold radiators on one part of the system during a cold snap

Important safety warning

Never use a blowtorch or naked flame to thaw a frozen pipe. Use warm (not boiling) water, a warm cloth, or a hair dryer on a low setting. Work from the tap end backwards toward the frozen section.

Plumber inspecting frozen pipes in an Irish home

What to do when pipes freeze

Turn off the stopcock immediately

Your main stopcock is usually under the kitchen sink or where the supply enters the property. Turning it off now limits water damage if a pipe has already cracked or burst without you noticing yet.

Locate the frozen section

Feel along exposed pipes in unheated areas: attics, garages, under-floor voids, and external walls are common locations. Frost on the pipe surface or a visible bulge tells you where the freeze has occurred.

Thaw gently, starting at the tap end

Apply warmth from the open tap end and work backwards toward the frozen blockage. This lets water and steam escape as the ice melts. Use warm water, a warm cloth, or a hair dryer on a low setting only. Do not use a blowtorch or heat gun.

Inspect for cracks and call a plumber if in doubt

Once the pipe has thawed, turn the stopcock back on slowly and check carefully for drips, sprays, or damp patches. Even a hairline crack will worsen over time. A local plumber can inspect, repair the damaged section, and lag the pipe properly to prevent a repeat.

Typical costs for frozen pipe work in Ireland

Costs vary depending on the extent of the freeze, the pipe material, and how accessible the frozen section is. Emergency call-outs at night or over weekends carry an out-of-hours premium. The figures below are indicative for the Republic of Ireland. Always get at least two quotes before proceeding.

Service	Typical cost range	Notes
Thawing service call-out	€80 – €150	Covers labour to locate and safely thaw one frozen section
Burst pipe repair	€150 – €400	Depends on pipe material, access, and extent of damage
Pipe lagging, supply and fit (per run)	€50 – €150	Foam or fibreglass lagging for exposed pipes in attic or garage
Full frost protection package	€300 – €600	Includes lagging all at-risk runs, trace heating if needed, and pipe check

Prices are indicative for the Republic of Ireland. Final costs depend on your location, the plumber, and the extent of work required. Always get at least two quotes.

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