13 May 2026
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It was the year of Good Vibrations and Strawberry Fields, not to mention a World Cup win for England, but 1966 also saw the introduction of Pipe Freeze.
Six decades after its introduction to the UK market, the Pipe Freeze range from Arctic Hayes by DiversiTech UK remains a staple in plumbers’ vans and merchant branches alike, offering a straightforward solution to one of the trade’s most common challenges; carrying out repairs without draining down an entire system.
“The Pipe Freeze range has built its reputation on a simple but highly effective principle. By creating a temporary ice plug within a pipe, engineers can isolate sections of a system and complete work quickly, safely and with minimal disruption. What began as a practical innovation has evolved into an essential everyday tool, refined over decades to meet the changing demands of the trade,” says Lee Parsons, UK Business Unit Director.
For installers, the appeal has always been clear. Traditional drain-down procedures are time-consuming, often messy and can leave properties without heating or water for extended periods. In many cases, pipe freezing can reduce job time by as much as 85 per cent compared to draining and refilling a system, making it a compelling option for both planned maintenance and emergency repairs.
“A key factor in the product’s longevity has been the continued investment from Arctic Hayes in expanding and refining the range. Today, the Pipe Freeze portfolio includes multiple variants designed to suit different applications, pipe sizes and working environments,” adds Lee.
At the entry level, Aero disposable freeze kits provide a convenient solution for smaller diameter pipes, typically between 8mm and 15mm. These kits are compact, easy to use and ideal for quick, one-off jobs. For more demanding applications, the Professional range offers re-usable equipment and increased versatility across a wider range of pipe sizes.
For larger or more complex projects, electric freeze kits deliver continuous freezing without the need for consumable refrigerants. Capable of handling pipe sizes up to 61mm and forming an ice plug in minutes, these systems are particularly valuable in commercial settings, high-rise buildings or multi-occupancy properties where maintaining system operation is critical.
This breadth of choice ensures installers can select the right tool for the job, supported by additional resources such as online selection guides and instructional content that simplify the process even further.
As Arctic Hayes marks this milestone year, the Pipe Freeze range stands as a testament to the value of well-designed, problem-solving products that stand the test of time. Backed by ongoing development and a growing product portfolio, it continues to meet the needs of modern installers while staying true to the straightforward principle that made it a success in the first place.
Sixty years on, Pipe Freeze remains not just relevant, but indispensable.
