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if pipes are frozen what do i do

If your pipes are frozen, act quickly to prevent bursting and water damage. This is a common winter issue, especially during cold snaps like those hitting parts of the U.S. and Canada right now in January 2026.

Spot the Signs

Frozen pipes often show frost on the outside , no water from faucets, or bulging. Check areas near exterior walls, basements, crawl spaces, or where pipes enter your home—these are prime spots. Common in uninsulated spots during sub-freezing temps.

Immediate Steps

Follow these prioritized actions to stay safe and minimize damage:

  1. Turn off the water supply at the main shut-off valve (often near the water meter or where the main line enters). This prevents flooding if pipes burst.
  1. Open all faucets (hot and cold) to relieve pressure and drain the system. Expect trickling as ice thaws.
  1. Check for leaks or cracks —look for water or ice buildup. If you see damage, stop and call a plumber immediately. Don't risk worsening it.

Safe Thawing Methods

Never use open flames (torches, lighters)—fire risk is huge near plumbing. Instead:

  • Hair dryer or heat gun : Aim warm (not scorching) air at the frozen section, starting nearest the faucet and working outward. Takes 30 minutes to hours.
  • Space heater or electric heating pad : Place near the pipe (supervised, away from flammables).
  • Warm towels or hot water bottles : Wrap the pipe; refresh as they cool. Pour hot (not boiling) water over accessible outdoor sections.
  • Pro tip: Work from the faucet end toward the freeze—ice expands that way.

"Apply heat to the suspected frozen pipe by warming the air around it or applying heat directly... Do not leave electrical devices unattended."

When to Call a Pro

DIY works for easy-access pipes, but call a plumber if :

  • Pipes are in walls/ceilings (they have thaw machines).
  • No thaw after 1-2 hours.
  • Burst signs appear (water sprays).
  • You're in a multi-unit building—could affect others.

Recent forum chatter (like Reddit's past freeze threads) echoes this: folks in Texas and Boston winters swear by pros during peaks.

Prevention Tips

Don't wait for next freeze—insulate now :

  • Foam sleeves on exposed pipes.
  • Seal drafts around windows/doors/vents.
  • Let faucets drip in extreme cold.
  • Keep garage/crawlspace heated above 55°F.

Method| Time Estimate| Best For| Risk Level
---|---|---|---
Hair Dryer| 30-60 min| Exposed pipes| Low 1
Space Heater| 1-2 hours| Basements| Medium (supervise) 5
Plumber w/ Machine| <10 min| Hidden pipes| Lowest 7

TL;DR at bottom: Shut off water, open taps, thaw safely with heat tools (no fire), call pros for bursts. Insulate to prevent repeats.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.