British Gas Issues Urgent Frozen Pipes Warning as Arctic Blast Hits UK

Thousands of Homes at Risk as Temperatures Plummet

British Gas has issued a warning that approximately 54,000 UK households are expected to require assistance with their heating and hot water systems in the coming week as temperatures fall below freezing. This urgent alert comes as the UK experiences a dramatic shift from a record-breaking mild December to freezing conditions in early 2026, catching many homeowners unprepared for the sudden cold snap.

The energy provider anticipates that frozen pipes will account for the bulk of emergency callouts during the cold spell. The warning highlights a critical risk that affects thousands of British homes each winter, potentially leaving families without essential heating and hot water during the coldest period of the year.

Understanding the Risks of Frozen Pipes

When conditions drop below zero, poorly insulated pipes can freeze, causing ice to build up inside and crack the pipe, often leading to leaks or flooding when it thaws. The scale of this problem is significant—last winter alone, British Gas engineers dealt with more than 1.2 million callouts to fix broken boilers and restore heating and hot water.

British Gas engineer Joanna Flowers notes that “frozen pipes are one of the most common issues we see during cold snaps.” She advises homeowners to act quickly if they notice their heating has stopped working or water isn’t flowing from taps.

Practical Steps to Protect Your Home

British Gas experts recommend several preventative measures. Wrapping pipes with low-cost insulation from DIY stores is one of the simplest ways households can prevent them freezing and avoid costly damage. If pipes do freeze, thaw them safely by slowly pouring hot (but never boiling) water over the frozen pipe and placing a hot water bottle over it to help melt away the ice.

Warning signs of a burst pipe include a sudden loss of water pressure, damp patches appearing on walls, or visible water marks on floors. In such cases, immediate action is essential: turn off the water supply at the stopcock and contact a qualified engineer.

What This Means for UK Households

The British Gas warning serves as a crucial reminder for homeowners to take proactive steps in protecting their properties. Experts also advise keeping thermostats set between 18°C and 21°C, as reducing the temperature by just one degree can cut heating costs by around 10 per cent, saving the average household roughly £75 a year.

With same-day service available for calls made before 11am, British Gas is mobilising resources to help affected households. However, prevention remains the best strategy, as frozen pipes can cause extensive damage and leave families in the cold during winter’s harshest conditions.