Plumber’s checklist: how to protect your home from Storm Goretti in just 20 minutes

With Storm Goretti bringing snow and sub-zero temperatures today, a plumbing expert urges families to act now to avoid burst pipes and costly damage.

Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Published: January 8, 2026 at 10:54 AM

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As Storm Goretti hits the UK today, bringing snow, ice and plunging temperatures, homeowners are being warned that the most serious damage may not come from fallen trees or icy roads, but from frozen pipes inside the home.

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With many families already running their heating constantly, experts say the risk has not gone away. In fact, sudden cold snaps, power cuts and overnight temperature drops mean damage can happen quickly, even in homes that feel warm.

Paul Kershaw, owner of Tradefix Direct, says the coming hours are critical for households wanting to avoid expensive and disruptive winter repairs.

Why Storm Goretti puts homes at immediate risk

Weather-related home insurance claims reached record levels last year, with £585 million paid out on home and contents damage in 2024. Freezing conditions and burst pipes were a major contributor, with £153 million of claims in 2023 linked directly to frozen pipework.

Over the past year alone, insurers handled around 8,000 pipe-damage claims worth roughly £250 million. Some individual burst-pipe payouts exceeded £560,000.

According to Paul, the real danger is how quickly a small issue can escalate.

“When a pipe bursts, water doesn’t just sit on the floor,” he says. “It seeps into walls, ceilings and electrics. That’s when repair costs spiral, and why claims can run into tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds.”

Why heating alone is not enough

While most households currently have their heating set well above 18 degrees, Paul warns that this does not fully protect homes during severe weather like Storm Goretti.

“Pipes in lofts, garages and external walls cool rapidly,” he explains. “Even if the main living areas feel warm, those spaces can drop below zero very quickly.”

Homes are particularly vulnerable overnight, during power cuts caused by snow and ice, or when families are away from the house.

Power cuts can be especially dangerous. When boilers shut down, pipes lose their last source of warmth. Once power returns, frozen pipes can thaw and rupture within minutes.

“That’s often when homeowners discover the damage,” Paul says. “They turn the heating back on, and suddenly there’s water everywhere.”

Urgent steps to take today as the storm arrives

With Storm Goretti already impacting parts of the UK, Paul says now is the time to act, not later today or tomorrow.

“One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming damage won’t happen to them,” he says. “By the time you see water, the damage is already well underway.”

He recommends:

Plumber’s 20-minute checklist: Protect your home from Storm Goretti

Use this now to stop frozen pipes, floods and heating disasters before they happen.

  1. Keep heating steady day and night Avoid big temperature drops, especially overnight or if your boiler cuts out. Consistency is key.
  2. Lag exposed pipes immediately Check lofts, garages and utility spaces. Add pipe lagging or wrap towels or bubble wrap around vulnerable sections.
  3. Focus on the coldest spots first Pipes in unheated rooms, external walls and attics freeze fastest, start there.
  4. Seal up draughts Block gaps around loft hatches, doors and garage areas to stop icy air reaching internal pipes.
  5. Open cupboard doors under sinks Let warm air circulate around hidden pipes in kitchens and bathrooms.
  6. Keep internal doors open This helps heat flow around your home evenly, especially during extreme cold.
  7. Turn off and drain outdoor taps Outdoor taps freeze fast, shut off the supply and drain any remaining water from pipes.
  8. Know where your stopcock is If a pipe bursts, turning this off quickly can prevent thousands of pounds in damage.

Small changes that make a big difference

Sealing draughts around doors, garages and loft hatches can help stop freezing air reaching vulnerable pipework.

“Even small gaps can let in icy air,” Paul says. “Blocking draughts helps the whole house stay warm and reduces stress on your heating system.”

He also advises leaving cupboard doors open under sinks so warm air can circulate around pipes, and keeping internal doors open during extreme cold.

Outdoor taps are another common problem area.

“People forget about outside taps until spring, but they’re often the first thing to freeze,” Paul warns. Any water left in external pipework can freeze and crack pipes running back into the house.

Boilers, electrics and what to do if a pipe freezes

Cold snaps like this can push boilers to their limits, particularly if they are older or overdue a service. Frozen condensate pipes, pressure drops and shutdowns are all common during severe winter weather.

“If your heating fails during freezing weather, the risk to your home rises very quickly,” says Paul.

If a pipe does freeze, he warns against using naked flames or blowtorches, which can damage pipes and increase fire risk. Instead, use gentle heat such as warm towels or a hairdryer, starting at the tap end and working back.

If a pipe bursts, turn off the stopcock immediately, isolate electrics if it is safe to do so, and move belongings out of harm’s way.

“Knowing where your stopcock is before an emergency can save thousands,” Paul says. “It’s one of the simplest things people overlook.”

Why acting now could save weeks of disruption

As Storm Goretti continues to bring freezing conditions across the UK today, Paul urges families not to wait for visible damage before taking action.

“Most winter home disasters start quietly,” he says. “A frozen pipe, a power cut or a boiler failure can turn into major damage very quickly in this kind of weather.

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“A few hours spent protecting your home today could save weeks of disruption, stress and repair bills later.”

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