When winter rolls around, most of us focus on keeping our living room and bedroom cosy and warm, but the bathroom often gets overlooked. The problem is, a cold and damp bathroom doesn't just make your morning routine uncomfortable – it can also lead to severe long-term damage if you don't address the issue.

In this guide, we'll cover the most common winter bathroom problems you might face, with practical tips from Brian Toward, CEO here at Wholesale Domestic, to help you keep the chill out.

The hidden costs of a cold bathroom

Without the right preparation, your bathroom can become one of the coldest rooms in the house during the winter. Not only does this transform your once-tranquil oasis into an uninviting space, but it could also cost you more on your household bills.

Condensation

Bathroom condensation happens when warm, moist air hits cold surfaces – like your walls, windows, and mirrors – causing water droplets to form. It's particularly common in winter because of the temperature difference between the steamy air from your shower or bath and the cooler surfaces around the room.

"While a bit of water might not seem harmful, bathroom condensation in winter can lead to serious problems if you just leave it," explains Brian. "All that excess moisture creates the perfect environment for mould to grow. Plus, it also damages your paint and wallpaper, corrodes your taps and other fixtures, and can even weaken the adhesive of your tiles over time."

Creating the perfect environment for mould is a big problem – especially here in the UK. According to the Health Security Agency, roughly 2 million people in England live in homes with significant damp or mould issues, and the NHS spends around £1.4 billion each year treating illnesses linked to these poor living conditions.

"Not only does mould make your bathroom look and smell dirty, it also releases spores into the air, which can trigger breathing issues, allergies, and asthma attacks. That’s why it's important to keep excess moisture to a minimum and prevent and address any signs of mould as quickly as possible," Brian adds.

Frozen pipes

Frozen pipes happen because water expands when it freezes, putting pressure on your plumbing as water tries to make its way through ice blockages. During winter, this can be caused by plummeting temperatures, poorly insulated pipes, and draughts sneaking into your home. Pipes in unheated spaces are more at risk – like those in bathrooms, lofts, and underfloor areas.

"Frozen pipes are one of the most common bathroom problems in the winter, and they're also one of the most expensive to fix," says Brian. "When the water inside a pipe freezes and expands, it can easily cause the pipe to burst, leading to flooding, structural damage, and some pretty eye-watering repair bills.” 

“The good news is, there are some really simple steps to prevent all of this. Insulating your pipes properly, keeping a low level of heating on throughout the day, and even letting your taps drip slightly during cold spells can stop the water from freezing."

If the worst happens and your pipes burst, you could face significant costs to replace the damaged pipework. The average cost to repair burst pipes in the UK ranges from £150 to £600, depending on the extent of the damage, how accessible the pipes are, and if there's extensive water damage to floors, walls, or ceilings. Emergency plumber callouts during freezing weather can also add an extra £200 to your bill – especially if it happens outside regular working hours.

Energy inefficiency and higher bills

Energy efficiency becomes even more important during the winter months. When the bathroom starts to feel colder, most of us turn up the central heating to compensate, which raises energy usage and leaves you with higher bills at the end of the month.

People also tend to take a long, hot bath or shower when the room feels cold, which requires more water and puts extra strain on your boiler, increasing gas or electricity costs even further. If your bathroom has poor insulation or a draught, most of the heat you generate escapes, making your heating system work harder.

"Cold bathrooms can quietly drive up your energy bills without you even realising it, because you constantly have to use more heat or hot water. If you're wondering how to keep your bathroom warm in the winter, there are some simple methods that can help," Brian says.

How to prepare your bathroom for winter

While the bathroom can be a problem in the winter, it's not all doom and gloom; there are plenty of affordable and straightforward ways to prepare for the colder months.

1. Insulate your pipes

During winter, any exposed pipes in your bathroom are at risk of freezing. Insulating your pipes helps keep the water temperature stable, prevents freezing, and even reduces energy costs by stopping passive heat loss.

There are three ways you can insulate your pipes:

1. Pipe insulation foam – Pick up some foam pipe sleeves from your local DIY store and wrap them snugly around any exposed pipes you can see, underneath sinks, near your toilet, or inside bathroom cabinets.
2. Heat tape – For areas that are especially vulnerable to freezing, such as pipes that run under your windows, consider applying heat tape for an extra layer of protection during cold snaps.
3. Seal draughts – Look out for any small gaps around where pipes enter through your walls or ceilings, and seal them up with caulk or expanding foam to stop cold air sneaking in.

"Insulating your pipes takes about an hour or two but can save you so much hassle down the line," says Brian. "Focus on pipes fitted against external walls or in unheated spaces first – those are the ones that'll freeze first when temperatures drop. And don't forget the pipes under your bath if you can get to them – they're often forgotten, but just as vulnerable."

"Improving your insulation, installing a dedicated bathroom heater, or setting up timed heating can all raise the ambient temperature and reduce the pressure on your boiler. Even small changes like using draught-proofing strips around your door and windows or putting down some thicker bath mats can help keep the heat in and your bills down."

2. Upgrade your heating

If you're struggling with heating your bathroom in winter, the type of radiator you're using could be to blame. This might sound obvious, but choosing a suitable radiator or an alternative heating solution is crucial, and making sure it's energy-efficient is essential if you want to avoid spending more than necessary on your bills.

"When you're choosing heating for your bathroom, think about the layout of the room first. If you've got limited wall space, a tall vertical radiator might work better than a horizontal one. And always check the BTU output – that's the heat output measurement – to make sure it's powerful enough for the size of your room." Brian advises. 

"There's no point installing a radiator that looks great but doesn't actually warm the space properly, so double-check the output you need using an online calculator before hitting 'buy'. For smaller bathrooms, a heated towel rail might be enough on its own, saving you money and giving you somewhere to store your towels between uses."

Here are some heating upgrades to think about:

• Heated towel rails – These do double duty as a bathroom heater and a way to keep your towels warm. Go for an energy-efficient model and you'll be saving in no time.
• Underfloor heating – Perfect for keeping your bathroom consistently warm throughout the winter. Underfloor heating feels cosy and welcoming under bare feet on cold winter mornings and won't take up unnecessary space.
• Portable heaters – If you're on a tighter budget, a small portable heater designed specifically for bathroom use can be a great option. Just make sure you follow all the safety guidelines to prevent any accidents.

Find out which heating setup is right for your space with our Radiator Buying Guide.

3. Keep humidty levels down

Humidity levels tend to creep up in your bathroom during the winter months. It's a room full of plumbing – from your sink and toilet to your bath and shower – and unlike in summer when everything dries out quickly, the lower temperatures mean moisture hangs around and causes condensation.

To stop condensation in your bathroom, try controlling the humidity levels. Make sure your extractor fan vents are clean and not clogged up with dust, as they can't do their job properly if they're blocked. 

It's also recommended to open a window for extra ventilation when you have a bath or shower, even if it's just a crack. If your bathroom doesn't have a window, consider investing in a reusable or disposable dehumidifier to pull excess moisture out of the air before it can settle on your surfaces.

4. Treat your windows for draughts

Bathroom windows are often one of the main reasons a bathroom feels freezing cold, especially if you're living in an older property where the window seals might be wearing down. When you've got draughts coming through, your heating has to work overtime to keep up, which means you're paying more on your energy bills. Colder windowsills are also prone to moisture build-ups, and it can be tricky to know how to stop condensation on your windows in winter.

"If you want to check whether your windows have a draught, wait for a windy day and hold a lit candle or incense stick near the edges of the window frame," Brian says. "If the flame flickers or the smoke blows around, you've got a draught that needs sorting. It's a simple test that shows you exactly where the problem areas are."

Once you know where the draughts are coming in, you can treat them to keep your windows airtight. Brian explains how: "Draught-proofing strips are cheap and easy to install around window frames, simply locate the weak spot and stick the strip down over it. If you're struggling with window condensation, you could use a clear window insulation film that sticks to the glass to create an extra barrier. For older windows with gaps in the frame, a bit of caulk or sealant can work wonders to plug any holes."

5. Mould-treat problem areas

Mould can become a real problem in bathrooms during winter. The combination of excess humidity and less natural light creates perfect growing conditions for mould spores, which can pose a threat to your health and your fixtures. If your bathroom is particularly prone to mould – maybe you've dealt with it in previous years – get ahead this year by treating problem areas before things get bad.

"Start by giving those vulnerable spots a really thorough deep clean, paying special attention to grout lines, corners, and anywhere water tends to sit," Brian explains. "Follow up with a dedicated mould removal spray that kills spores before they become visible. This means there's much less chance of dangerous mould build-ups once winter's in full swing, and you'll save yourself the hassle of dealing with stubborn black mould later on."

Get winter-ready with Wholesale Domestic

Now that you know how to protect your bathroom from the worst of the winter weather, it's time to ensure you have the right setup to keep your space warm, dry, and comfortable.

If you want to upgrade your heating this winter, we've got everything you need at Wholesale Domestic. Shop our range of energy-efficient radiators, heated towel rails, and underfloor heating systems to find the perfect solution for your bathroom. And don't forget to stock up on cleaning products to help tackle mould issues before they get out of hand.

For more bathroom advice, tips, and inspiration, take a look at our blog.