What to Do When Your Pipes Are Frozen

Okay, you wake up and can already tell from the frost on the windows that it's really cold outside.  Like today.  You turn on the water to get that first pot of coffee rolling and... nothing.  Great.  Your pipes are frozen.  What can you do?  Frozen pipes can lead to bursts which can lead to flooding and all sorts of other damage.  Don't panic.  Here are some steps to take.

1. Locate the Frozen Pipe

You are going to want to find the spot of the freeze.  Check all of the faucets to find out which ones are or aren't running.  Find the faucets that aren't running or only trickle.  Are there exposed pipes?  This could be your problem area.  Common freeze points may be found in unheated basements, crawl spaces, exterior walls or even in attics or near windows.

2. Open the Faucet

Turn on the affected faucets slightly which can relieve pressure and help melting ice move.

3. Apply Heat to the Pipe

Use a hairdryer, heating pad or even a closely monitored space heater on the frozen pipe.  Start from the faucet end and work toward the frozen area but remember, NEVER use an open flame such as a blowtorch or propane heater.

4. Thaw Enclosed Pipes

You are going to want to get warm air circulating near the pipes so turn up your home's heat and open cabinet doors under the sinks.  You can even use a fan or a space heater to direct warm air into crawl spaces.

5. Check for Leaks

If the water starts running, check your pipes for cracks.  If you see leaks anywhere shut off the main water supply and call a plumber.

6. Prevent Future Freezing

Once you go through this, you're not going to want to go through it again.  Insulate your pipes with heat tape or foam.  Let your faucets drip during extreme cold periods in the future and keep cabinet doors open to circulate warm air.

If you can’t locate or thaw the frozen section, or if a pipe has burst, shut off the main water supply immediately and call a professional plumber.