Frozen pipes are a common winter headache, especially during cold snaps like those hitting parts of the U.S. in early 2026. Here's a friendly, step-by-step guide to safely unfreeze them yourself before calling a pro.

Spot the Freeze

No water flow from faucets? Frost on exposed pipes or bulging sections signal ice buildup—often in attics, exterior walls, cabinets, or garages.

Turn off the main water shutoff valve immediately to prevent bursts if thawing causes pressure buildup.

Open all faucets (hot and cold) to relieve pressure and let melting water drip out—this is crucial for safety.

Safe Thawing Methods

Start near the faucet and work outward to let water escape, avoiding pressure pockets that could crack pipes.

Use gentle, indirect heat —never torches or open flames, which risk fire or pipe damage.

Method| How-To| Why It Works| Tips from Forums 1
---|---|---|---
Hair Dryer| Wave it back and forth along the pipe, low-to-medium heat.| Evenly melts ice without overheating.| Most popular DIY; keep dryer dry, away from water.
Hot Towels/Water Bottle| Soak towels in hot (not boiling) water, wrap pipe; refresh as they cool. Or fill a hot water bottle for no-tools option. 9| Slow, safe warmth penetrates insulation.| Reddit users swear by this for enclosed pipes; microwave water for quick refills.
Space Heater/Heat Lamp| Position 1-2 feet away, aimed at frozen spot (e.g., cabinets open).| Warms surrounding air gently.| Boost home heat to 55°F+ first; watch for flammables. 5
Heating Tape/Pad| Wrap self-regulating tape around pipe, plug in.| Steady, controlled heat.| Buy thermostat-controlled for safety; great for repeat issues.

Keep at it until water flows steadily—could take 30 minutes to hours depending on freeze depth.

Crank your thermostat, open cabinet doors, and insulate exposed pipes meanwhile.

Multiple Viewpoints

Plumber Pros (e.g., Goldberg Plumbing ): Prioritize locating the freeze via cold spots; if in walls, infrared lamps or pros with cameras.

DIY Forums (Reddit r/Austin ): Salt down drains for partial clogs; hair dryers win for speed. Some swear by leaving cabinets cracked for airflow.

Video Tips (YouTube experts ): No-power? Hot towels or bottles mimic pro tools—gentle wins over fast.

When to Call Help

If no luck in 2-3 hours, pipes are enclosed/deep, or you hear banging/cracking—shut off water and dial a plumber. Bursts mean water damage fast.

Prevention Story : Last winter's Texas freeze taught thousands—insulate now with foam sleeves and drip faucets below 32°F.

TL;DR Bottom : Open faucets, apply gentle heat (dryer/towels first), monitor till flow returns. Stay safe—no flames!

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