what do you do if your pipes freeze
If your pipes freeze, the goal is to thaw them safely and prevent them from bursting , while minimizing water damage if they’ve already cracked.
Quick Scoop: What to Do
- Turn off the main water supply so if a pipe bursts when it thaws, you don’t flood the house.
- Open the faucet connected to the frozen pipe; this relieves pressure and lets water flow once the ice melts.
- Locate the frozen section (often in unheated areas like basements, attics, garages, or along exterior walls) and look for frost or bulges.
- Warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer, space heater, or towels soaked in warm (not boiling) water—never use an open flame or blowtorch.
- If you see a crack or leak , shut the water off immediately and call a plumber; don’t try to patch it yourself.
Step‑by‑Step Plan
- Confirm it’s frozen, not a main break
- Check other faucets; if only one line is affected, it’s likely a frozen pipe.
- Shut off water at the main valve
- This limits damage if the pipe splits when it thaws.
- Open the affected faucet
- Even a trickle helps relieve pressure and can speed thawing.
- Find and inspect the pipe
- Look for frost, bulges, or cracks; if you see damage, call a plumber before heating.
- Apply gentle heat
- Use a hair dryer, heat lamp, or space heater on a low setting, moving it along the pipe.
* You can also wrap the pipe in towels soaked in warm water.
- Test and monitor
- Once water starts flowing, let it run for a few minutes to ensure the ice is fully cleared.
* Watch for leaks after thawing; some pipes crack only when the ice melts.
What NOT to Do
- ❌ Don’t use open flames, blowtorches, or kerosene heaters —they can melt or ignite the pipe.
- ❌ Don’t hammer or poke the pipe to “break” the ice; this can cause it to burst.
- ❌ Don’t ignore it overnight ; a frozen pipe can burst and cause major water damage.
When to Call a Pro
- You can’t locate the frozen section.
- You see visible cracks, leaks, or pooling water.
- DIY thawing doesn’t restore flow after 15–20 minutes.
How to Prevent Pipes from Freezing
- Keep cabinets under sinks open so warm air reaches pipes.
- Insulate pipes in unheated areas and use heat‑tape on exposed lines.
- On very cold nights, let faucets drip slightly ; moving water is less likely to freeze.
- Seal drafts near pipes and keep the house above about 55°F (13°C) if you’re away.
Quick Reference Table
| What to Do | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Shut off main water supply | Limits flooding if a pipe bursts. | [3][5]
| Open the affected faucet | Relieves pressure and helps melt ice. | [1][7][3]
| Warm pipe with hair dryer or towels | Gentle heat thaws ice without cracking metal. | [7][1][3]
| Call a plumber if there’s damage | Prevents long‑term leaks and structural issues. | [3][5]
