Cold Snap Comes to Melbourne: How to Prevent Burst Pipes
With impending freezing weather in Melbourne this Sunday, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent burst pipes and related plumbing issues. Cold temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and burst, leading to significant water damage and costly repairs.
Read on to grab some essential tips for preventing burst pipes. Plus, we address the common problem of frost valves on solar panels failing due to cold weather.
Why Do Pipes Burst in Freezing Weather?
When the temperature drops, the water inside your pipes can freeze and expand. This is because when water freezes, its molecules change structure and end up taking up more space than they do in liquid form.
But that’s not the end of it. As this ice continues to expand, it forces liquid towards your closed faucet, creating a significant buildup of water pressure between the ice blockage and the faucet. This pressure eventually causes the pipe to burst, typically in an area with minimal or no ice formation.
Pipes most susceptible to bursting are those exposed to the elements: think pipes outside of building insulation or in unheated areas like garages, basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
Needless to say, if your pipes end up bursting, it can lead to lack of water supply, water leaks, and even major damage to your property. Not ideal for anyone!

At What Temperature Do Pipes Freeze in Australia?
This can vary, of course, depending on your individual pipes and how old they are. In general, your pipes are at risk of freezing (and bursting) when temperatures fall close to or below 0°C.
Melbourne has already plunged into frostiness this week, with temperatures plummeting past freezing in many parts of the city and regional areas. This weekend is also set to deliver icy temperatures, particularly Sunday July 7th.
So, how can you protect your pipes and your home in this shivery cold snap?
How to Prevent Burst Pipes in Winter
- Locate Your Water Meter: Your water meter is typically located at the front of your property. In freezing conditions, turning off the water meter can prevent water from freezing inside your pipes and causing them to burst.
- Turn Off the Water Meter: To turn off the water meter, locate the shut-off valve and turn it to the off position. This will stop the flow of water into your home and reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
- Call Jet Plus Plumbing: In case of an emergency or if you notice any signs of a burst pipe, contact Jet Plus Plumbing immediately. Our team is available 24/7 to handle any plumbing emergencies and ensure your home stays safe and dry.
Frost Valves on Solar Panels

Moving away from frozen pipes for a moment, let’s mention frost valves on solar panels. As almost 3 million households across Australia have solar energy installed, this is a prevalent topic that bears mentioning.
Frost valves are designed to protect your solar panels from freezing temperatures. When your roof temperature drops to around 4°C, these valves automatically open to allow water to be let out and replaced with warmer water from inside the system. If it didn’t have this mechanism, the existing water would freeze, just like it can in your pipes.
While this is great technology, things can go wrong. During extremely cold weather, solar panel frost valves may fail or get stuck, leading to water running into gutters from roof panels.
So, what do you do if you suspect your solar panel frost valves are failing?
Addressing Frost Valve Failures
1. Check for Water Leaks: Inspect your solar panels and gutters for any signs of water leaks. If you notice water running into the gutters from the roof panels, it could indicate a failed frost valve.
2. Turn Off the Isolation Valve for Your Hot Water Unit: To prevent further water damage, turn off the isolation valve for your hot water unit. This valve is usually located near the hot water unit and can be turned off by rotating the valve handle.
3. Again – call us! If you suspect a frost valve failure, contact our team immediately. Our experienced technicians can quickly diagnose the issue and provide the necessary repairs to prevent further damage.
More Tips for Preventing Burst Pipes
In addition to turning off your water meter and addressing frost valve failures, here are some other practical tips to help prevent burst pipes during freezing weather.
These are all great practices for keeping your plumbing safe and effective during winter, so they’re good to implement anyway.
- Insulate Your Pipes: Wrap exposed pipes in insulation material to keep them warm and prevent freezing.
- Keep a Steady Temperature: Maintain a consistent temperature in your home, even when you’re away, to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Open Cabinet Doors: Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
- Let Faucets Drip: During extreme cold, let your faucets drip slightly to keep water flowing and prevent it from freezing.
- Turn Off Your Water if Going Away: School holidays are upon us, so if you’re going away this winter break, remember to turn off your water as an added precaution.
Yeah, it’s Freezing – But Stay Proactive With Your Plumbing

As Melbourne braces for more freezing weather this Sunday, take these proactive steps to prevent burst pipes and plumbing issues. Turn off your water meter if necessary, check for frost valve failures, and follow the additional tips provided to protect your home.
Remember, if you encounter any plumbing emergencies, Jet Plus Plumbing is just a call away on +61 0438 968 624. Our team is ready to assist you 24/7 via our Emergency Plumbing Services to ensure your home stays safe and warm during the cold snap.
Stay safe and prepared this winter. If you need any assistance or have a plumbing emergency, contact us today!
Further reading: How to Prevent Burst Flexi Hoses