what to do when your pipes are frozen
What to Do When Your Pipes Are Frozen Frozen pipes are a common winter headache, especially during brutal cold snaps like those hitting parts of the U.S. and Canada this January 2026. Acting fast prevents bursts and floods—here's your friendly, pro guide drawn from trusted plumbing wisdom.
Spot the Freeze First
No water from faucets (especially cold side), bulging pipes, or frost on
exteriors signal trouble.
Listen for odd dripping or check basements/attics where pipes lurk—common in
unheated garages too.
Pro Tip: If only one faucet's affected, trace the line; hidden walls hide culprits.
Immediate Safety Steps
- Shut off main water: Find your stopcock (under sink or basement) and turn clockwise—crucial to stop floods if it bursts.
- Open faucets: Run hot/cold taps connected to the suspect pipe; relieves pressure as ice melts.
- Turn off boiler/heater: Avoids steam pressure buildup. Drain system by opening all taps till dry.
"Ignoring frozen pipes could lead to burst pipes and costly water damage. Time is of the essence."
Thaw It Safely (DIY Methods)
Start nearest the faucet, working toward the freeze—slow and steady wins.
- Hair dryer/portable heater: Best for exposed pipes; wave gently, no direct blast.
- Hot water towels/bottles: Wrap frozen spot; refresh as they cool (never boiling!).
- Heat tape/pad: Plug-in pipe warmers for ongoing melt.
Never use torches or open flames —fires and pipe cracks await, as forum plumbers rant in frozen pipe threads.
For walls: Crank thermostat or use infrared lamps; don't hack drywall solo.
Method| Best For| Watch Out
---|---|---
Hair Dryer| Exposed pipes| Keep moving, unplug when done 1
Space Heater| Basements/garages| 6+ inches away, ventilated 7
Hot Towels| Quick spots| Refresh often, no boiling 3
Plumber Call| Hidden/bursts| Pros handle leaks fast 5
Check for Damage & Next Moves
Inspect for cracks while frozen—they leak post-thaw. Wipe frost, feel for bulges.
Leaks? Mop up, call emergency plumber ASAP—insurance often covers.
Reddit threads buzz with tales: One Texan let faucets drip but woke to zeros; another begged for mod mercy on heat tips.
Prevent Future Freezes
Winter 2026's polar vortex vibes? Prep now.
- Drip faucets nightly (moving water resists ice).
- Insulate pipes/attics with foam.
- Thermostat at 55°F min, even away—open cabinets for air flow.
- Heat tape in garages; close doors.
British Gas warns: "A burst pipe is a homeowner’s worst nightmare." Stay ahead!
TL;DR Bottom: Shut water/open taps, thaw gently (dryer/towels only), call pros for bursts, insulate ahead. Safe plumbing this freeze season!
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.