British Gas Storm Goretti warning: firm issues urgent cold weather frozen pipes update after weather warnings
Freezing nights followed by a sudden thaw can put hidden strain on household plumbing, leaving it vulnerable ❄️
- Households across Yorkshire face an increased risk of frozen and burst pipes as Storm Goretti continues
- An amber weather warning remains in force, with heavy snow and icy conditions affecting the region
- British Gas has issued a warning, saying pipe damage can occur during both freezing and thawing periods
- Engineers say many heating problems emerge after severe cold, not just at its coldest point
- Travel disruption and time spent at home mean heating and plumbing issues could have a bigger impact
Households across Yorkshire are being urged to check their heating and pipes today, as Storm Goretti continues to bring heavy snow, ice and freezing temperatures across the region.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for snow and ice covering large parts of Yorkshire until 3pm on Saturday (January 10), with 10–15cm widely expected and up to 30cm on higher ground, including areas close to the Peak District.
Temperatures remain low and icy conditions persist, leaving many homes at risk of frozen or burst pipes as the thaw begins.
Even as Storm Goretti eventually moves on, frozen and burst pipes remain a real risk, and British Gas says the hours after severe cold weather can be just as risky as the freeze itself.
When ice inside pipes starts to melt, weakened pipework can crack or burst, leading to leaks, flooding and sudden loss of heating or hot water.
With travel disruption ongoing, rail services affected and some schools closed, many people in Yorkshire are spending more time at home, making it vital to ensure boilers and plumbing systems are working safely.
Why pipes are at risk
Storm Goretti has been described by forecasters as a “multi-hazard event”, combining snow, wind, rain and ice. Even as snowfall eases, overnight sub-zero temperatures followed by daytime thaws create the perfect conditions for pipe damage.
Pipes most at risk are those in lofts, garages, external walls and boiler condensate pipes, which may have frozen overnight and are now starting to defrost.
British Gas engineer Joanna Flowers says many heating issues reported during cold snaps are linked to frozen condensate pipes or low boiler pressure, both of which can often be resolved without an engineer.
How to avoid frozen or bursting pipes
If you haven’t already checked your system today, British Gas recommends taking the following steps:
- Keep your heating running steadily: Avoid switching the heating off completely during cold spells. A low, constant temperature helps prevent pipes freezing, particularly overnight.
- Insulate exposed pipework: Foam pipe insulation is cheap and effective, especially for pipes in lofts, garages or outside walls.
- Check your boiler’s condensate pipe: Modern condensing boilers have a plastic pipe that carries waste water outside. In freezing weather, this can ice over and shut the boiler down. “If your heating isn’t working after a cold snap, don’t panic,” says Flowers. “If you spot a frozen condensate pipe, slowly pour hot — but never boiling — water over it and place a hot water bottle against the pipe to melt the ice. Once thawed, reset the boiler.”
- Check boiler pressure: A sudden loss of heating or hot water can also be caused by low pressure, which may happen after bleeding radiators or if there’s a minor leak. “The pressure gauge should usually sit between 1 and 1.5 bar,” Flowers explains. “If it’s below 1, the system needs repressurising.”
What to do if your pipes have burst
As temperatures rise slightly today and over the weekend, burst pipes may only become obvious once ice melts. If you notice signs of a leak:
- Turn off the water immediately: Locate your stopcock, often found under the kitchen sink or near where the water enters your home, and turn it clockwise.
- Switch off electricity if water is near sockets: If there’s water close to electrics, turn off the power at the fuse box, but only if it’s safe.
- Call a qualified plumber or engineer: Temporary DIY fixes may fail once pipes fully thaw.
- Record the damage: Take photos or videos for insurance purposes as soon as it’s safe.