As winter takes hold, homeowners in cooler areas like Lismore face a risk that can quickly become a costly inconvenience—burst pipes. While the temperatures here don’t often dip below freezing for long, even a brief cold snap can cause pipes to freeze, crack and rupture. The resulting water damage can significantly affect walls, flooring, insulation, and electrical systems.
Thankfully, many burst pipe incidents are preventable. With the right preparation and a few smart habits, you can protect your property and avoid emergency plumbing calls in the middle of winter. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Pipes Are More Likely to Burst in Winter
During winter, water inside exposed or poorly insulated pipes can freeze. As water freezes, it expands, creating pressure inside the pipe—especially between the frozen section and any closed taps. With nowhere for that pressure to escape, the pipe can crack or split open.
Pipes most vulnerable to freezing include:
- Outdoor garden taps and connected hoses
- Plumbing in uninsulated walls, garages or under homes
- Sections exposed to cold air or poor ventilation
- Unused or rarely accessed bathrooms or laundry areas
While Lismore doesn’t experience long stretches of sub-zero temperatures, the occasional cold front can be enough to cause issues—especially in older homes or poorly maintained properties.
Identify Vulnerable Areas in Your Plumbing System
Preventing burst pipes starts with knowing where your system might be most at risk. Vulnerable pipes are often found in less visible or less frequently used places.
Typical problem areas include:
- Ceiling cavities and underfloor spaces with minimal insulation
- External pipework attached to hot water systems or rainwater tanks
- Pipes running through unheated garages, sheds or laundries
- Isolated garden or boundary taps
Conducting a winter plumbing check—or engaging a plumber in Lismore to assess your system—is a smart step before cold weather arrives.
Insulation: The First Line of Defence Against Pipe Freezing
One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent frozen pipes is insulation. Adding thermal protection around exposed pipework reduces heat loss and shields pipes from temperature extremes.
Areas to insulate:
- External hot and cold water pipes
- Pipework in unventilated spaces
- Water meters and outdoor taps
- Pipe bends and joints, which are more prone to stress fractures
Use appropriate mate, such as foam lagging or pre-slit pipe sleeves, available from most hardware stores. A local plumber can install insulation for complex systems or difficult-to-access areas to ensure full coverage.
Simple Everyday Habits That Prevent Pipe Freezing
You don’t need to overhaul your home to prevent frozen pipes—basic habits can make a real difference. These actions help maintain steady water flow and moderate the temperature around at-risk plumbing.
Helpful habits include:
- Leaving a tap slightly running on cold nights to relieve pressure in the system
- Keeping cupboard doors open under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes
- Closing windows near pipework and blocking draughts in cold rooms
- Disconnecting garden hoses and shutting off their valves before winter
These low-effort measures work best when combined with good insulation and seasonal maintenance.
The Role of Temperature Monitoring in Avoiding Pipe Damage
Keeping tabs on temperature can help you act early before pipes begin to freeze. This is especially important in properties that aren’t constantly occupied, such as holiday homes or investment properties.
Simple monitoring options:
- Place thermometers in roof cavities or subfloors to check cold-prone areas
- Use smart home temperature sensors with alerts for sudden drops
- During forecasts of extreme cold, inspect exposed pipes in the early morning
In vacant homes during winter, consider draining the system entirely or having a plumber install frost-proof tap covers and pipe valves for long-term protection.
What to Do If You Suspect a Pipe Is Frozen
Frozen pipes don’t always burst straight away. Early warning signs can include a slow trickle from the taps, visible frost on pipes, or banging noises when water is turned on.
If you suspect a pipe is frozen:
- Turn off the water supply at the mains to prevent further pressure build-up
- Open taps to allow any remaining water to escape
- Apply gentle warmth to the frozen pipe using a hairdryer, warm cloths, or a portable heater—never use a blowtorch or open flame.
- Avoid turning taps fully if there is no water flow—this can build pressure and worsen the risk of bursting.
If you can’t identify or access the affected pipe, call an emergency plumber in Lismore for safe and prompt assistance.
When to Call an Emergency Plumber for Burst or Frozen Pipes
Some issues can’t wait. If a pipe bursts, every second counts. Water damage spreads fast, and waiting to take action can lead to structural problems and mould growth.
Situations that call for immediate plumbing assistance:
- Water visibly leaking from ceilings, walls or under sinks
- Flooding around the base of your hot water system or garden taps
- Water stains or swelling in cabinetry or flooring
- Strong, musty smells suggest unseen water damage
Emergency plumbers can isolate the problem, minimise damage and make temporary or permanent repairs. Keep the number of a trusted Lismore plumber handy during winter.
Winter Plumbing Maintenance Tips for Lismore Homeowners
Being proactive about winter plumbing maintenance can protect your home and give you peace of mind. A short checklist now can prevent a burst pipe in mid-July.
Winter plumbing checklist:
- Book a plumbing inspection to assess insulation and leak points
- Clean gutters and downpipes to avoid water backing up into the roof space
- Insulate exposed pipes around the house and garden
- Test your hot water system to ensure steady temperature and pressure
- Ensure garden irrigation systems are off and drained
- Learn how to shut off your water supply in an emergency
Taking these simple steps helps maintain your plumbing system’s efficiency and protects your home from winter-related damage.
Need Help Preparing for Winter?
We’re here to help ensure your plumbing is winter-ready. At Mid Richmond Plumbers & Suppliers, we handle everything from pipe insulation and pre-winter inspections to emergency burst pipe repairs. Don’t wait for a plumbing disaster to strike. Give us a call for more information or to book a consultation.
