Arctic Hayes by DiversiTech UK has unveiled a global first in professional plumbing innovation with the launch of the Smart Freeze Clamp - a connected, solution designed to bring unprecedented accuracy, control and confidence to installers looking to isolate pipework on live systems.

Building on six decades of pipe freezing expertise, the Smart Freeze Clamp represents a significant step forward from traditionally disruptive, costly and messy drain-down methods, combining the best in precision freeze technology with digital intelligence, via real-time app monitoring and ultrasonic sensing.

As a high-margin tool that drives demand amongst increasingly tech savvy trade professionals, and equips the sales team with a clear value story, it opens a whole new revenue stream across merchants and their digital channels.

“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.

Intuitive Design
At its core is a simple but powerful concept: giving plumbing and heating engineers clear, live feedback on exactly what is happening inside the pipe as it freezes. Using a dedicated and interactive iOS/Android app connected via Bluetooth, the Smart Freeze Clamp provides real-time temperature monitoring, visual countdowns and alerts throughout the freeze cycle, allowing installers to see precisely when an ice plug has formed and when it begins to thaw.

This is made possible by an integrated ultrasonic sensor that confirms freeze formation by measuring the actual temperature of the pipe itself, rather than relying on estimated times or ambient conditions. The result is a more accurate and repeatable process, eliminating the guesswork that can lead to premature cutting or failed freezes.

For installers, this directly translates into improved confidence and job efficiency on site. The system provides audible and visual confirmation when a solid ice plug has been achieved, ensuring it is safe to begin work. It also alerts users if the freeze begins to weaken and additional refrigerant is required, helping to prevent any costly mistakes and unnecessary disruption.

Precision engineered and robust for regular use, it features a secure locking mechanism, clear orientation indicators and full compatibility with the current range of Arctic Hayes refrigerants. Available in 15mm and 22mm variants, it is optimised for the most common UK copper and PVC pipe sizes and can be used on both horizontal and vertical pipework.

Dual Freeze Capability
The addition of dual-freeze capability further enhances its versatility. Using a Y-piece connection, engineers can operate two clamps simultaneously, allowing sections of pipework to be isolated with greater control, particularly useful in more complex installations or commercial environments.

Range Extension
Smart Freeze Clamp is an ideal range extender to the establish Pipe Freeze range, celebrating 60 years this year. “With 70% of Installers never having tried a pipe freeze product, there’s a huge opportunity to build sales and customer loyalty.” Explains Lee Parsons, UK Business Unit Director.

Plumbing Merchant Opportunity
“Merchants are excited because this is a true category expanding product,” It drives footfall, creates repeat refrigerant sales, and gives installers and plumbers a compelling reason to work smarter and upgrade their toolkit.”

“Pipe freezing has always been about making installers’ lives easier, so with the Smart Freeze Clamp, we’ve removed any guesswork entirely by adding modern, digital control and precision. Engineers can now see exactly what’s happening in real time and know with confidence when it’s safe to proceed. It’s a major step forward in both safety and efficiency.”

Merchant Support
Smart Freeze Clamp will be available to Plumbing Merchants at the end of July, with Arctic Hayes supporting the launch with a host of training materials, how to guides and a growing library of user videos and digital content to help merchants demonstrate the tangible difference the product can make - and how to work safer, cleaner and faster with the very latest in technologically advanced kit.

For a step-by-step guide, ensuring your get the perfect freeze every time, view the latest Smart Clamp user video on any of the product pages. For more information, please visit the Smart Freeze Clamp page of our website.