Rothenberger Rofrost Rapid Pipe Freezing Kit (15mm & 22mm)

By Rothenberger · Model: 64030 · Plumbing & Heating

Professional pipe freezing kit for 15mm and 22mm copper tube, allowing plumbers to work on live systems without draining down.

Freezes 15mm and 22mm copper pipe to create a temporary ice plug
Allows repair work on live systems without draining down
Patented freeze clamps for fast, consistent ice plug formation
Includes freeze spray cans and insulated clamps
Supplied in carry case for site portability
Ice plug holds for extended working time

Overview

The Rothenberger Rofrost Rapid is the pipe freezing kit that lives in most UK plumbing vans. It allows plumbers and heating engineers to isolate a section of pipe by creating a temporary ice plug, eliminating the need to drain down the entire system for a simple repair, valve replacement or tee insertion.

In-Depth Look

The Rothenberger Rofrost Rapid is one of those tools that pays for itself on the first job. Instead of spending an hour draining a system, making a repair, refilling, bleeding, and re-pressurising, you freeze the pipe, do the work, and move on.

How the Freeze Works

The insulated clamp wraps around the copper pipe and the freeze spray is applied through the clamp’s aerosol inlet port. The refrigerant gas (difluoroethane) cools the pipe wall rapidly, freezing the water inside to create a solid ice plug in the pipe bore. Typical freeze time is 5-10 minutes depending on pipe temperature and whether the water in the pipe is static — the water must not be flowing for the plug to form. Once formed, the ice plug holds as long as the pipe remains below 0°C. Working time in an unheated property or on a cold day is longer than in a warm room.

Pipe Preparation

The pipe must be clean and the clamp positioned in a straight section at least 200mm from any fitting or valve. Scaling or heavily corroded pipe can reduce freeze effectiveness. For heavily scaled systems, the freeze time may need to be extended, and a test squeeze of the pipe with pipe grips confirms whether the plug is solid before cutting.

Time and Cost Savings

For a straightforward valve swap or tee insertion on a domestic heating circuit, the Rofrost Rapid typically saves 30-60 minutes compared to a full drain-down, refill, and bleed. In multi-unit flats or commercial properties where a drain-down affects multiple tenants or requires coordinating with building management, the saving is significantly greater. The consumable freeze spray cans are the ongoing cost; a single can typically covers two or three freeze operations on 15mm pipe.

Limitations

The kit covers 15mm and 22mm copper pipe only. Pipes with flowing water — such as a live mains supply with no isolation — cannot be frozen. Very short pipe runs between fittings may not allow enough straight length for the clamp to work effectively.

Verdict

The Rothenberger Rofrost Rapid is an essential van tool for plumbers who value their time. The upfront cost is recovered in one or two jobs where it eliminates a drain-down, and the patented clamp system delivers reliable results on occupied properties.

Specifications
Pipe Sizes	15mm and 22mm copper
Freeze Method	Aerosol spray with insulated clamps
Clamp Type	Patented quick-freeze clamps
Kit Contents	Spray cans, 15mm clamp, 22mm clamp, carry case
Freeze Time	Typically 5-10 minutes depending on flow
Working Time	Extended — ice plug holds while frozen

Who It's For

Plumbers needing to make repairs without draining the system
Heating engineers replacing valves, radiators and components on live systems
Maintenance plumbers working in occupied properties where a drain-down is impractical

Pros & Cons

Pros

Eliminates time-consuming drain-down and refill for simple repairs
Patented clamps produce reliable ice plugs faster than DIY methods
Carry case keeps everything organised in the van
Works on both 15mm and 22mm — covers most domestic pipework

Cons

Freeze spray cans are consumable and need replacing
Not suitable for pipes with flowing water — static water only
Does not cover 28mm pipe — separate clamp needed

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