As the cold season approaches, heating and plumbing problems are set to spike. Lee Parsons, CEO of Arctic Hayes, highlights the benefits of using pipe freezing kits in your plumbing jobs.

Q: What exactly are Pipe freeze kits and how do they work? A: Pipe freeze kits are handy tools for plumbers. From fixing pipes and boilers, to replacing radiators and tackling emergency repairs, there are countless reasons why a plumber might consider draining an entire heating system. But pipe freeze kits allow you to create a temporary ice plug inside a pipe, isolating a section where you need to work, so you don’t have to drain the entire system to fix a part of it.

Pipe freeze kits use high-quality refrigerants and robust mechanisms to create a solid ice plug within seconds. This ice plug can withstand significant pressure, easily up to 10 bar, holding back water and allowing plumbers to work on the pipes without the risk of thawing and leaks. It’s an efficient way to handle repairs without causing a lot of disruption. Whether you’re dealing with copper, steel, iron, plastic or other materials, these kits help tackle a variety of plumbing issues on the spot. They can be used when installing or repairing stopcocks and service valves, plumbing in washing machines or dishwashers, making cistern washer replacements, installing shower units or replacing taps… the list goes on!

Q: How do pipe freeze kits benefit plumbers? A: They are a real lifesaver when things get hectic and with the colder months rolling in, demand for heating maintenance is about to jump! Normally, draining a heating system is a big hassle that can leave homes or businesses without heating and hot water for a long time. But instead of having to drain and refill entire heating systems – a process that can eat up hours, especially in larger properties – pipe freeze kits allow plumbers to focus on just the specific part of the system that needs attention. You can get a section frozen in seconds, which means less time on site and more jobs in a day. It’s especially great in settings where minimising inconvenience is crucial, like busy offices or homes.

They also cut down on costs all around. By not having to drain the whole system, there’s no need for extra materials like new water or antifreeze and the quick turnaround time often translates into lower labour costs. This allows plumbers to offer more competitive pricing while still maintaining healthy profit margins. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

Q: What are the different types of Pipe Freeze Arctic Hayes has to offer? A: Arctic Hayes has a range of products so there’s something for every job. Our Aero Freeze Kits for instance, are perfect for smaller, straightforward tasks as they are light and easy to use. Then there's the Pro Freeze Kits for tougher jobs, offering more freezing power and versatility for a variety of pipe sizes and materials. There is even the option of electric pipe freeze kits which offer continuous freeze capabilities, ideal for large-scale applications where continuous and reliable freezing is essential.

Q: Not everyone knows how to use a Pipe Freeze kit – does Arctic Hayes offer any support? A: Yes we do! We’ve really beefed up our support with a newly updated FAQ section on our website. It now covers a broader range of topics, looking at both general usage and specific product details. This refresh includes answers to common queries such as the appropriate steps to ensure a successful pipe freeze, the types of pipes that can be frozen and the specific conditions under which the freeze kits operate best.

We’ve produced an instructional video that walks you through the whole process, making it easier to avoid common mistakes. The video breaks down the freezing process into clear, easy-to-follow steps, from setting up the equipment to safely completing the job without the need to drain down the system. By following the steps outlined in the video, users can avoid common pitfalls, such as using too much refrigerant or not allowing enough time for the ice plug to form.

We also have a “Freeze Selector” tool on the website which is a handy way to quickly figure out the best kit for your job, based on the pipe size and task specifics.

For more information on the Pipe Freeze range, check out this link. It covers the full range, product selector guide and how-to-use videos - Pipe Freezing for Professionals & DIY | Pipe Freezing Kits - Arctic Hayes Ltd (arctic-hayes.com)

Contact us for more information or any help, advice or to order: Arctic Hayes Ltd, 9 Millshaw Park Ave, Leeds, LS11 0LR, United Kingdom Tel +44 (0) 113 271 5245 sales@arctic-hayes.com