Turn the faucet on, warm the pipe with safe heat (no flames), and shut off the main if it’s burst; then call a licensed plumber.
Cold snaps can stop a water line in its tracks. When ice blocks a pipe, pressure rises and weak spots can split. The good news: a calm, methodical response can save the line and your rooms from water damage. This guide gives clear steps you can use right now, backed by trusted safety advice.
What To Do When A Pipe Freezes At Home
Start where you are. You don’t need special tools, just patience and safe heat. Work through these steps in order.
- Open the affected faucet. A small stream relieves pressure and tells you when flow returns.
- Find the cold section. Trace exposed runs near exterior walls, crawl spaces, garages, or under sinks. Frost on the outside, bulging, or a rock-hard feel are clues.
- Warm the pipe safely. Use a hair dryer, a portable heater set a few feet away, a heating pad, or hot towels. Move the heat along the pipe; start near the faucet and work back toward the icy area. Avoid open flame devices.
- Stay with the pipe. Keep eyes on it while heating. If you spot a split or sudden leak, shut off the main immediately.
- Check nearby runs. If one section froze, neighbors often did too. Repeat the process.
| Situation | Immediate Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| No water at one sink | Open hot and cold; warm the supply line feeding that fixture | Cabinet doors open help warm air reach the trap and lines |
| Only a trickle | Keep water running while you warm the pipe | Moving water speeds thaw and shows progress |
| Multiple fixtures slow | Look near the main where the line enters the home | Basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls are common freeze points |
| Toilet won’t refill | Warm the supply behind or below the tank | A space heater in the room can raise air temp; keep clearances |
| Outdoor spigot frozen | Remove hose, warm pipe on the interior side of the wall | Frost-free sillcocks still freeze if hoses stay attached |
| PEX line frozen | Thaw as with copper or CPVC | PEX flexes more but can still split under ice pressure |
| You hear dripping behind drywall | Shut off main; call a plumber | Wet drywall can collapse; catch water and protect outlets |
| Well system | Warm the pressure tank area and exposed well lines | Heat lamps are risky; use safe electric heat only |
Find The Frozen Section
Start at fixtures that lost flow first. Pipes usually freeze where cold air reaches them: rim joists, gaps around hose bibs, garage walls, and spots without insulation. Run your hand along accessible runs. A frozen section may feel icy or look frosted. If the line is hidden, listen for buzzing or cracking as ice shifts; that’s a hint you’re close.
Thaw Safely Without Flames
The American Red Cross advises using household electric heat and avoiding open flames. Hair dryers and heating pads focus warmth without scorching. A portable heater can warm a cold cabinet or short run; keep it on a stable surface and away from combustibles. Hot towels help on short spans; refresh them as they cool.
Tips For Faster, Safer Thawing
- Warm from the faucet toward the ice so steam and meltwater can escape.
- Keep the faucet open; a steady drip prevents pressure spikes.
- Place a pan or towel below joints to catch drips as ice gives way.
- Never leave a heater unattended; check cords and outlets for heat.
- Avoid extension cords in wet areas; plug into a GFCI outlet when near sinks.
Taking Action If A Pipe Is Burst
Water on the floor calls for quick, steady moves. You can limit damage in minutes.
- Shut off the main valve. It’s near the meter or where the main enters the house. If you’re in a multi-unit building, contact the property team right away.
- Kill power near wet areas. If water reached outlets or appliances, switch off the matching breakers before you step in.
- Open low faucets and a tub. This drains standing water from the system.
- Capture water. Buckets, towels, and wet/dry vacs help. Move rugs and furniture.
- Call a licensed plumber. Ask for emergency service if the split is active.
Once flow stops, dry the space. Fans and dehumidifiers reduce swelling in floors and trim. Photograph affected rooms and keep receipts for repairs; many homeowners policies include sudden water discharge from broken pipes when reasonable precautions were taken.
Steps For Dealing With A Frozen Water Pipe
Not every freeze looks the same. Match your approach to the setup in your home.
Under-Sink Freeze
Pull everything from the cabinet. Aim a hair dryer along the back wall where lines come through. Set a small heater in the room to raise air temperature. Keep the doors open until full flow returns.
Crawl Space Or Basement Freeze
Bring a bright light and move carefully. Warm short sections and watch for leaks. If you see a bulge, shut off the main before it lets go.
Garage Or Utility Room Freeze
Block drafts, raise the room temperature, and warm the pipe. If a gas water heater is nearby, keep clearances and don’t block burner access.
Outdoor Spigot Freeze
Detach the hose and open the spigot. Warm the pipe on the indoor side of the wall. If the valve body cracked, the split often hides inside; shut off and replace the unit before spring.
After Thaw: Check For Hidden Damage
Run each faucet for several minutes and check joints along the run. Look for slow seeping at valves, couplings, and behind appliances. Stains on ceilings below bathrooms or kitchens can appear hours later. Keep fans going and revisit those spots the next day.
Thawing Tools Compared
| Method | Where It Fits | Risk/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hair dryer | Most exposed pipes and tight spots under sinks | Keep intake clear; avoid puddles around the cord |
| Heating pad | Short, stubborn sections on straight runs | Wrap loosely to avoid hot spots; monitor often |
| Portable space heater | Rooms, cabinets, or utility areas that need warmer air | Set on a stable surface; keep 3 feet from combustibles |
| Hot towels | Small sections and valves | Replace as they cool; water drips can be messy |
| Heat tape (electric) | Prevention and controlled thaw on accessible straight runs | Follow the maker’s instructions; use only on approved pipe types |
| Open flame devices | None | Fire and carbon monoxide hazard; do not use |
Prevention So You Don’t Face Another Freeze
A few low-effort habits help keep water moving and pipes warmer when the mercury drops. Group these tasks by area and you’ll be ready for the next cold night.
Inside The Home
- Keep the thermostat at 55°F or higher, even when away.
- Let vulnerable faucets drip during hard freezes.
- Open kitchen and bath cabinets to share warm air with the plumbing.
- Close garage doors and reduce drafts around laundry rooms and utility closets.
Insulate And Seal
Wrap exposed lines in basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages. Foam sleeves are quick to add. For tight clearances near gas appliance flues, use fire-safe materials as described by Energy.gov. Seal gaps where pipes pass through walls with foam or caulk so wind can’t chill the run.
Before A Trip
- Set heat to at least 55°F.
- Shut off the main and drain a low faucet if a deep freeze is forecast.
- Ask a neighbor to peek in, especially after outages.
Outside Work
- Disconnect hoses and drain hose bibs each fall.
- Cap outdoor spigots with insulated caps.
- Shut and drain irrigation lines before the first hard freeze.
Know The Safe Basics
Ready.gov’s winter guidance lists household steps during prolonged cold, power outages, and storm cleanups. Review the latest advice on Ready.gov and post your main shutoff location on the inside of a cabinet or by the electrical panel for quick reference. Mark your main shutoff on a tag for quick reference today.
Why Open Flame Isn’t Worth The Risk
Torches and fuel heaters can ignite framing or create deadly fumes. They also overheat one spot while the rest of the line stays frozen. Safer electric heat warms a section gradually and gives you time to spot leaks as ice breaks apart. That’s the approach promoted by the Red Cross and many utilities.
What To Keep In A Cold-Weather Kit
- Heavy towels
- Gloves, flashlight, and batteries
- Hair dryer and an outdoor-rated extension cord
- Bucket and plastic sheeting
When To Speak With A Pro
Call a licensed plumber if you can’t reach the frozen span, if your breaker trips when you plug in a heater, or if thawing reveals a split. If floors, ceilings, or built-ins got soaked, a water-damage crew can dry cavities behind walls and under hardwood before swelling sets in.
Insurance And Documentation
Take photos and short videos as you work. Save receipts for fans, heaters, and repair parts. Many policies include sudden discharge from frozen lines when the home was heated and basic care steps were taken. Claims teams often ask for pictures and notes on the timeline, so jot down the date and the rooms that were affected.
Safety Reminders
- Open a faucet before you apply heat.
- Use electric heat only; no flames.
- Shut off the main if a pipe splits.
- Keep heaters away from curtains, paper goods, and cleaners.
- Check every nearby run once flow returns.
The steps above mirror long-standing safety advice from the Red Cross and Ready.gov. With steady heat, a running faucet, and the main valve within reach, you can get through a freeze with less mess and stress—and keep the water moving next time cold air rolls in. Now.