water pipes frozen what to do

Frozen water pipes are a common winter emergency that can lead to bursts and major damage if not handled promptly. Acting quickly with safe steps can thaw them without risking injury or further issues.

Immediate Actions

Shut off the main water supply right away to prevent flooding if a pipe bursts—locate the valve near your water meter or where it enters your home. Open all faucets connected to the frozen line to relieve pressure and drain remaining water, then check neighbors to rule out a broader outage. Inspect for visible frost, bulges, or leaks on pipes in basements, attics, crawl spaces, cabinets, or exterior walls.

Safe Thawing Methods

Use indirect, low heat only —never open flames, torches, or boiling water, as they can cause cracks or fires.

• Wrap the frozen section with towels soaked in warm (not hot) water, or use a hairdryer on low heat, working from the end toward the faucet.

• Position a space heater nearby (at least 12 inches away) or use electric heating pads/tape designed for pipes.

Apply heat gradually; flow should resume slowly as ice melts—keep faucets open until water runs steadily.

"With the right equipment, a skilled plumber can thaw pipes and restore water in less than 10 minutes."

When to Call a Pro

If the pipe is inaccessible, shows cracks, or won't thaw after 30-60 minutes, stop and contact a plumber immediately—DIY risks worsening damage during cold snaps like those hitting parts of the U.S. this January 2026. Pros use specialized thaw machines and can check for hidden bursts. In rentals, notify your landlord or property manager first.

Prevention Tips

Frozen pipes often strike below 20°F (-7°C) after several hours of exposure, especially in uninsulated areas.

• Insulate pipes in vulnerable spots with foam sleeves or heat tape.

• Seal cracks around doors/windows and keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to let warm air circulate.

• Let faucets drip slightly when temps drop below freezing, and drain outdoor spigots/shut their valves.

• Maintain a minimum 55°F (13°C) indoors; space heaters help but never leave unattended.

Common Myths vs. Facts| Myth| Fact 19
---|---|---
Heat Source| Blowtorch speeds thawing| Causes fires/explosions—use hairdryers only
Thawing Time| Boiling water melts fast| Refreezing shocks pipe; warm water safer
Burst Risk| All frozen pipes burst| Only ~1 in 4 do, but pressure triples risk

Real Experiences

On forums like Reddit, homeowners in cold snaps (e.g., Austin's 2021 freeze) shared thawing sinks with hairdryers after shutting water off, but warned against rushing—many called pros when attic pipes froze. In 2025 U.S. reports, quick insulation prevented repeats, though trending cold fronts this winter spiked calls. One property manager noted a pipe thawed under a sink in minutes, avoiding a $5K burst repair.

TL;DR: Shut off water, thaw safely with low heat, call pros if stuck—insulate now to dodge future freezes.

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