Lee Parsons, Managing Director of Arctic Hayes discusses why pipe freezing is increasingly seen as a practical, time-saving alternative to draining down – not just in emergencies, but for a wide range of everyday plumbing and heating jobs.
As winter approaches, most plumbing and heating installers are bracing for the seasonal surge in callouts. Burst pipes and frozen systems might make the headlines, but for those in the trade, the more common challenge is far less dramatic: how to complete repairs without turning them into a time-consuming, messy operation.
Draining down a system often sounds like the obvious first step but in reality, it’s rarely straightforward. Stopcocks that don’t shut off properly, tanks that take an age to empty and the risk of introducing airlocks can turn a quick job into an extended one. When you factor in the potential mess – from water left in pipe runs to unexpected leaks – the disruption multiplies. In some cases, particularly with older or more fragile systems, draining down can even create new problems, as shifting water and pressure can unsettle delicate fittings or aged joints.
Freezing
Pipe freezing offers another way; by creating an ice plug within the pipe, it’s possible to isolate a specific section without affecting the rest of the system. The method has been around for years, but its uses are not limited to emergency callouts. Increasingly, installers are turning to freezing for planned maintenance and routine repairs.
In many cases, a pipe can be frozen and repaired in well under an hour – far quicker than the hour or more it can take to just drain and refill a system. Without having to empty tanks, cylinders, or radiators, the risk of spillage or water damage is significantly reduced. Customers will also benefit from reduced downtime and in a commercial premises, the rest of the building’s water supply can remain unaffected while the repair takes place.
Freezing is suited for jobs where only a small section of pipework needs attention. Swapping a radiator valve, installing a stopcock, repairing a leaking joint, or replacing a faulty pump are all examples. In each of these situations, the engineer can work only where necessary, without needing to interfere with the wider system.
In properties with complex layouts or multiple floors, freezing can also save significant time. There’s no need to chase water back to the header tank or empty a long run of pipework. Everything is kept localised and under control.
A reliable Freeze
While the process is straightforward, a successful freeze depends on good preparation and attention to detail. In most situations, the following steps will produce a dependable ice plug:
– Clean and dry the pipe so the freeze jacket or clamp has good contact.
– Stop water movement by closing upstream valves if possible.
– Apply the freeze jacket securely and release the refrigerant evenly.
– Allow the correct freeze time for the type of pipe material and size before starting work.
By following these basics, users can achieve reliable results. With practice, confidence builds quickly and the process becomes a standard part of an installers working method.
Reducing risk and disruption
One of the main advantages of freezing is the control it gives, meaning there’s no need to shut down a whole heating system or disrupt an entire building when only one small repair is required. This can be particularly important in sensitive environments such as hospitals, care homes or busy offices, where any downtime needs to be kept to an absolute minimum.
There’s also the professional presentation to consider because customers notice when work is done neatly, with minimal mess and disruption. Being able to carry out a clean, contained repair reinforces the image of a skilled and efficient tradesperson.
While not every situation calls for it, freezing has become an increasingly valued option for engineers who want flexibility on the job. Having the ability to isolate a section of pipe in minutes gives more control and can prevent small jobs from escalating into time-consuming projects.
For installers working in varied environments – from domestic houses to light commercial sites – this flexibility can be a real asset. It’s not about replacing traditional methods entirely, but about having more efficient tools ready to get the job done in the smartest way possible.
PHPI readers have the chance to win one of 10 Arctic Hayes ZEK2 Pipe Freezing Kits.
For your chance to win please enter your details below. Closing date: 31st October, 2025
This competition is run in association with Arctic Hayes and open to trade only.
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