If a pipe is frozen, act quickly but carefully to avoid a burst and water damage. Focus on shutting off water, safely thawing what you can reach, and calling a plumber if anything looks risky or damaged.
Immediate safety steps
- Turn off the main water supply to the house so a hidden crack does not spray water everywhere when the ice melts.
- Open the faucets (hot and cold) served by the frozen line to relieve pressure and give melting ice somewhere to go.
- If you see leaks, bulging pipe, or obvious cracks, stop DIY work and call an emergency plumber right away.
How to thaw pipes safely
- If the frozen section is exposed and accessible, gently warm it with a hair dryer, electric heating pad, or a space heater placed a safe distance away from combustibles.
- Start warming closest to the faucet and work back toward the frozen area so steam and water can escape instead of being trapped.
- Never use a blowtorch, open flame, or extremely high-heat device, because these can start a fire or overheat and damage the pipe.
When to call a professional
- Call a licensed plumber if you cannot find the frozen section, it is behind a wall/ceiling, or you cannot restore flow after careful thawing.
- Professionals can use specialized thawing equipment and check for hidden damage that may not show until after everything is thawed.
- If multiple fixtures are out or neighbors also have no water, contact your water utility, as the problem might be in the main line rather than your pipes.
Checking after thawing
- Once water is flowing, slowly reopen the main shutoff and watch all accessible pipes and joints for drips or new wet spots.
- Inspect ceilings, walls, and floors near the frozen area for dampness; even small leaks should be fixed quickly to prevent mold and structural damage.
Simple steps to prevent a repeat
- Keep indoor temps above about 55°F, open sink cabinets on exterior walls, and let vulnerable faucets drip during very cold snaps.
- Insulate exposed pipes and seal cold-air leaks in basements, crawl spaces, and around foundation entries where water lines come in.