With the colder months firmly upon us, any kind of issue that occurs in the home tends to become that bit more urgent and often requires fast or immediate repair. 

That means the season can become an incredibly busy period for tradespeople, with plumbers in particular known to see an increased workload as temperatures drop. 

While consistently high demand for qualified plumbers means those within the profession are generally busy right throughout the year, there are a number of extra issues to deal with that tend to emerge in the winter months. 

What issues do plumbers deal with in winter?

Unsurprisingly, many homes suffer from frozen pipes as temperatures plummet, which can often lead to them bursting and needing quick repair work to prevent permanent damage.

An increase in rainfall can be another common cause for surging call-outs, with existing water systems sometimes unable to handle the sudden and overwhelming flow of water which can potentially lead to flooding. 

Central heating systems also face extra pressure in winter as we crank up our radiators and turn to longer, hotter showers. Naturally, this makes boilers more susceptible to faults at this time of year as they deal with the extra usage. 

A slightly less obvious but frequent problem can come as a result of kitchen sinks getting clogged up with food waste. With many households hosting family and friends over the festive period we tend to have more leftovers to dispose of, which can lead to pipes getting jammed with grease and unwanted Christmas snacks. 

Given the nature of these issues, immediate solutions are often necessary to limit their lasting effects. This can make the period extremely lucrative for emergency plumbers, though those who do choose to work on-call must be prepared to be available at any time of the day.

Where can a member of the public find a registered plumber?

As a plumber, there are two major directories to consider when it comes to people finding and choosing your services.

The first is the Water Industry Approved Plumbers Scheme (WIAPS)—this is the UK’s largest Approved Contractor Scheme and is administrated by Water Regs UK. Membership is free and appearing on this register can be priceless when it comes to assuring potential customers of your qualifications and experience. 

Similarly, accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) can offer customers all-important peace of mind that you meet the required industry standards.

It’s also worth noting that any plumber carrying out work on gas appliances must be a member of the Gas Safe Register before doing so.

Tips for keeping plumbing ready for winter

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent untimely plumbing disasters. One of the biggest is ensuring pipework is properly insulated to prevent freezing and cracking. 

Keeping drains and gutters clear will help stop build-ups in bad weather—staying on top of this before blockages occur can save a lot of hassle further down the line. 

Finally, it’s well worth taking the time to dispose of food properly. Avoid pouring oil and grease down the kitchen sink as this will inevitably begin to clog as time goes on. 


Interested in starting your career in plumbing? The City & Guilds Level 2 Plumbing course is the ideal starting point to get you on your way.

Need a little more information? Our friendly team would be happy to advise. Give us a call on 01322 280 202, request a brochure or pop into our training centre for a chat.