Freezing Pipes – Worth It?

william_1996 · May 14, 2025

Hi all,

I’m William, a plumber from Edinburgh. I’ve mostly been working on domestic jobs—general plumbing, repairs, and maintenance.

Just wondering what everyone’s thoughts are on pipe freezing kits. I’ve used one or two before, but not regularly. Do you find them reliable for small isolations? Or do you prefer draining down when possible?

Curious to hear what others are doing and what kits you trust.

Cheers,
William

RBG · May 14, 2025

Hello, I have tried the freeze spray in a can with varying results. It may just be me but I don't really get on with them or trust them to be honest. I haven't tried an electric freezing kit as they are expensive to hire and even more so to buy. I mainly do domestic plumbing and gas so don't really have much call for one to justify the expense. Personally prefer to drain down. I haven't come across a situation where I have absolutely had to freeze yet. I can see the point on larger properties and commercial etc

william_1996 · May 22, 2025

RBG said:
Hello, I have tried the freeze spray in a can with varying results. It may just be me but I don't really get on with them or trust them to be honest. I haven't tried an electric freezing kit as they are expensive to hire and even more so to buy. I mainly do domestic plumbing and gas so don't really have much call for one to justify the expense. Personally prefer to drain down. I haven't come across a situation where I have absolutely had to freeze yet. I can see the point on larger properties and commercial etc

Yeah, I get where you’re coming from I’ve had the same kind of mixed results with the spray kits. Sometimes they work okay, other times you’re just standing there hoping it holds long enough… not exactly confidence-inspiring!
I’ve not tried the electric ones either, mostly because like you said, they’re pricey and I don’t really get enough call for them to make it worthwhile. I’ve managed to work around it so far by draining down too it takes a bit longer, but at least you know what you’re dealing with.
Good to know I’m not the only one who feels that way. Appreciate the reply!

RBG · May 22, 2025

william_1996 said:
Yeah, I get where you’re coming from I’ve had the same kind of mixed results with the spray kits. Sometimes they work okay, other times you’re just standing there hoping it holds long enough… not exactly confidence-inspiring!
I’ve not tried the electric ones either, mostly because like you said, they’re pricey and I don’t really get enough call for them to make it worthwhile. I’ve managed to work around it so far by draining down too it takes a bit longer, but at least you know what you’re dealing with.
Good to know I’m not the only one who feels that way. Appreciate the reply!

No problem at all...my view with this sort of situation and also other situations involving special kit I don't have is that if I really really needed it for the job I would hire it or prob not do job and if it kept coming up more and more then I would buy.

I bought a powerflush machine for central heating systems recently as I used to hire one. But they become harder to find to hire and I needed one more often so I took took the plunge so to speak

william_1996 · Tuesday at 9:52 AM

RBG said:
No problem at all...my view with this sort of situation and also other situations involving special kit I don't have is that if I really really needed it for the job I would hire it or prob not do job and if it kept coming up more and more then I would buy.

I bought a powerflush machine for central heating systems recently as I used to hire one. But they become harder to find to hire and I needed one more often so I took took the plunge so to speak

Yeah, that’s a fair point makes a lot of sense. I think that’s probably the best way to look at it if a tool or bit of kit keeps cropping up often enough, then it’s worth investing. Otherwise, hiring as needed is the way to go.
I’ve been thinking the same way about a powerflush machine too. I don’t get loads of requests for it right now, but I can definitely see how it’s one of those things that becomes essential if you’re doing more heating work.

Appreciate the insight always good to hear how others approach it in the real world.