If your pipes are frozen, focus on safety first and then gently thawing them. Act quickly but avoid using any kind of open flame or extreme heat.
Immediate safety steps
- Turn off the main water supply if you see any leaks, bulging pipe sections, or water stains on walls or ceilings, because a frozen pipe may already be cracked and can burst when it thaws.
- If you do not see leaks, you can leave the main on but open the affected faucets slightly so any melting ice can relieve pressure by dripping out.
Find the frozen section
- Check areas most exposed to cold: exterior walls, basements, crawl spaces, attics, unheated garages, and under sinks on outside walls, looking for frost on pipes or very cold sections to the touch.
- Also test multiple faucets to see which ones have no or low flow; this helps narrow down where the line is frozen.
Thaw the pipe safely
- Use gentle, indirect heat such as a hair dryer, an electric heating pad, a space heater pointed at the area, or towels soaked in hot water and wrapped around the pipe, working from the faucet end back toward the frozen area.
- Never use a blowtorch, propane or kerosene heater, charcoal stove, or any open flame, which can start a fire or overheat and damage the pipe.
While thawing
- Keep the faucet open so water can start flowing as the ice melts, because moving water helps clear remaining ice and reduces pressure buildup.
- Do not leave electric heaters or hair dryers unattended, and keep them away from standing water and flammable materials.
After water returns
- Once flow is restored, slowly turn the main water back on fully (if you turned it off) and carefully inspect the thawed area and nearby joints for drips, moisture, or new water damage signs.
- If you cannot locate the frozen spot, cannot get it thawed, or notice any cracks, leaks, or water damage, call an emergency or licensed plumber right away to prevent more serious flooding.
If you tell what kind of building you are in (house/apartment, city/well water) and whether you see any leaking, more tailored next steps can be suggested.