How to defrost frozen pipes in a static caravan

When winter arrives, frozen pipes are one of the biggest concerns for static caravan owners. Freezing temperatures can quickly impact exposed pipes and lead to costly insurance claims and repairs if pipes burst.

Knowing how to prevent and defrost frozen pipes can save you time, money, and hassle.

Why do static caravan pipes freeze?

Static caravans are especially vulnerable to freezing temperatures due to their exposed locations and often minimal insulation around pipes. When temperatures drop, the water inside pipes can quickly freeze. The first sign you notice could be if water isn’t coming through your caravan’s sink taps. But there’s a bigger worry; when water freezes, it expands, and this can put enough pressure on pipes to cause them to crack or split.

To get water flowing, but more importantly minimise damage and avoid costly repairs, it’s crucial to act quickly and safely to defrost frozen pipes.

Signs your caravan pipes might be frozen

The earlier you can detect frozen pipes, the better. Here are a few common signs:

• No water flow: If you turn on a tap and nothing comes out, a frozen pipe might be the culprit.
• Frost on exposed pipes: If you see frost on any visible section of pipework, it’s a sign that the water inside may have frozen.
• Unusual smells: Odd odours coming from your taps or drains can indicate a blockage caused by ice.

How to safely defrost frozen pipes on your static caravan

Turn off the water supply
Begin by turning off the main water supply to prevent potential flooding if a pipe has cracked. Locate the isolation valve (usually under the caravan or in an outside compartment) and turn it to the “off” position.

Identify the frozen section
Follow the pipes and locate where frost has accumulated. Common areas for freezing include exterior pipes, under-sink piping, or any sections running through unheated spaces.

Open taps
Open the taps connected to the frozen pipe slightly. This helps relieve pressure build-up and gives melting water somewhere to go, reducing the chance of pipes bursting.

Apply gentle heat to the pipe

– Wrap warm towels around the frozen section. Reheat and replace the towels as they cool down, gradually melting the ice inside the pipe.
– Place a hot water bottle on the affected area. This steady, mild heat can be particularly effective in confined spaces.
– For quicker results, and only if safe to do so, carefully use a hairdryer on a low setting. (Don’t use a hairdryer in wet conditions). Hold it several inches from the pipe to avoid overheating or damaging the pipework.

Top tip: Avoid using flames, boiling water, or any high-heat sources, as these can damage your pipes. Patience is key to thawing pipes safely.

Monitor for leaks
Once the ice has melted, carefully inspect your static caravan pipes for any cracks or leaks.

If you find any, keep the water supply turned off and call a professional to make repairs.

If you can’t see any obvious cracks or leaks turn the water back on, but then as water flows through pipes, it’s worth inspecting pipes again to make sure no water is leaking out.

Leaking pipes need immediate attention to prevent more damage to your static caravan.

Tips to avoid frozen pipes in your static caravan

Preventing pipes from freezing in the first place is the best way to avoid having to defrost them:

1. Add pipe insulation: Wrapping exposed pipes with foam insulation is a cost-effective way to protect them from the cold. This is especially useful for those pipes underneath your caravan or in other exposed areas, such as external taps.

2. Drain down the system when not in use: If you’re leaving the caravan unattended during the winter months, draining down the water system will prevent water from sitting in the pipes and freezing. Drain all water from taps, showers, and toilets to safeguard against freezing. It’s usually a condition of your static caravan insurance policy to drain down your caravan when it’s not in use in the colder months. For Leisuredays’ policyholders, this is from November 1st to March 15th as part of our winter weather precautions.

3. Leave the heat on low: If your caravan has central heating, consider leaving it on a frost or low setting when you’re not there. Even a slight increase in temperature can help prevent pipes from freezing. Setting the thermostat to about five to seven degrees should be enough.

In the unfortunate event that a frozen pipe bursts, turn off the water supply as soon as possible to prevent damage from the escape of water. Clear any items from the affected area to avoid water damage, and mop up as much water as possible. Then, contact your park owner or a professional plumber for emergency help.