What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

When your pipes freeze, first find the part that is frozen by looking and feeling if it’s cold.

Turn off the main water valve so nothing breaks.

Open the taps to let out any pressure in the frozen pipes.

Use a space heater or a hairdryer to warm up the pipes but don’t use anything with a flame.

Check for leaks by looking at where the pipes connect and by watching the water meter.

After they are unfrozen, cover the pipes with foam sleeves or heat tape to keep them warm in the future.

If you keep having trouble or see damage, call a plumber.

Consider making changes to protect your home from pipes freezing again.

Recognize Frozen Pipe Signs

To spot signs of frozen pipes, first check if water is coming out of faucets slower than usual or not at all, especially in cold parts of your house. This might mean ice is blocking the pipe. Check each faucet, focusing on ones near outside walls or in places without heat. If water flow is low or stopped, the pipe might be frozen, which could cause it to burst.

Check at exposed pipes to see if there’s frost or water droplets on them, which means they might be freezing. Use a flashlight to see pipes in dark or hard-to-reach places.

Listen for strange noises like clanking from the pipes, as this could mean ice is blocking them.

Keep pipes safe by not using things like open flames to warm them, as this can cause a fire. Instead, keep rooms with pipes warm.

Also, be aware of any weird smells, which might mean a pipe burst because of freezing.

Knowing these signs helps you find and fix frozen pipes before they cause big problems.

Locate the Frozen Section

First, turn off the main water supply. This helps stop water damage if the pipe leaks when it thaws.

Look at pipes in cold places like basements, attics, or crawl spaces since they’re more likely to freeze.

To find the frozen part, tap the pipe gently with a rubber mallet. A frozen pipe sounds solid, not hollow. Also, check for frost or bulging on the pipe.

Use a non-contact infrared thermometer to check the pipe’s temperature. This tool helps spot cold areas safely.

Wear gloves and safety goggles to stay safe while checking the pipes.

Following these steps will help you find the frozen part of the pipe.

Shut Off the Water

To stop water damage and stay safe while thawing pipes, turn off the main water valve. Here’s how to do it:

• Find the Main Water Valve: It’s usually near the water meter or where the main water line enters your home.

• Know Your Valve Type:

• Gate Valve: Turn the wheel to the right (clockwise) until it stops.

• Ball Valve: Turn the handle 90 degrees to shut it off.

• Clear the Area: Make sure nothing is blocking your way to the valve.

• Wear Gloves: Protect your hands from cold or any leftover water pressure.

• Turn Off the Valve: Use the right method based on your valve type.

• Check the Water: Open a faucet to make sure no water is coming out.

Doing this helps prevent small problems from becoming big plumbing issues. Be careful and follow these steps to keep everything under control.

Open Faucets

When pipes freeze, you need to open the faucets to let the water flow and reduce pressure. This helps stop the pipes from breaking because of ice. First, find all the faucets connected to the frozen pipes.

Start with the ones farthest from where you can turn off the main water supply to help drain the water best.

Turn on both the hot and cold taps. This helps let out pressure and gets the pipes ready for when the ice melts. Don’t open the faucets all the way. Just let the water trickle out to keep it controlled.

If there are many faucets on the same frozen pipe, open all of them at once. This helps balance the pressure in the pipes.

Watch the faucets carefully. If the water flows steadily, it means the ice is melting. But if it drips on and off, you may need to do more work to fix it.

Tell everyone in your home about the open faucets, so no one closes them by accident. Closing them can make the pressure go up again.

Keep an eye on the pipes. Be ready to turn off the water if you see any leaks or breaks.

Use a Space Heater

To help thaw frozen pipes, put a space heater near the pipes. Make sure the heater is on a steady surface and not close to anything that can catch fire. Follow safety rules to avoid hazards. Check that the space heater is approved by a safety lab, showing it meets safety rules.

Before turning it on, check the heater for any damage or worn-out cords. Keep the heater at least three feet away from anything that might burn.

When using the heater, follow these safety tips:

• Plug it into the wall: Use a wall plug, not an extension cord, to stop it from overheating.

• Watch it: Never leave the heater on without watching it.

• Automatic off: Get a heater that turns off on its own if it gets too hot.

• Keep it dry: Do not put the heater near water to avoid electric shocks.

• Safety for kids and pets: Make sure children and pets stay away from the heater.

Apply Heat Tape

Applying heat tape is an effective way to prevent pipes from freezing in cold weather. Heat tape, also known as heat cable, wraps around exposed or vulnerable pipes and provides consistent, low-level heat to keep water flowing. This is especially useful for pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls. 

Self-regulating heat tape adjusts its temperature based on the surrounding conditions, making it energy-efficient and safe. To maximize protection, ensure the tape is installed correctly, secured with appropriate insulation, and plugged into a reliable power source. Using heat tape can help prevent costly pipe bursts and water damage during freezing temperatures.

Try a Hair Dryer

Keep the hair dryer a safe distance from the frozen pipe to avoid damage. Plug it into a grounded outlet, making sure the cord stays dry. Use a medium heat setting so the pipe doesn’t get damaged by too much heat. Move the hair dryer back and forth along the pipe to spread the heat evenly.

• Stay Back: Hold the hair dryer 12 inches away from the pipe. This stops the pipe from melting or getting misshapen.

• Set Temperature: Choose medium heat to keep the pipe safe from sudden changes that can make it crack.

• Keep Moving: Keep the hair dryer moving to stop any one spot from getting too hot and weak.

• Check Often: Look at the pipe to see if it’s thawing. This tells you the heat is working without harming the pipe.

• Be Safe: Make sure the area is dry to avoid electric shocks and stay safe.

Following these steps will help you safely thaw frozen pipes with a hair dryer, avoiding damage to your plumbing.

Utilize Heat Lamps

After using a hair dryer, you can try a heat lamp to warm up frozen pipes. Heat lamps give off strong heat and can help melt the ice. Choose an infrared heat lamp because it provides powerful thermal energy. Place the lamp 12-18 inches away from the frozen pipe. This is to make sure the heat reaches the pipe without causing damage.

Before turning on the lamp, check around the area to make sure there are no flammable materials nearby. Put the lamp on a sturdy, non-flammable surface so it doesn’t fall over or touch water by accident. Plug the lamp into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. This special outlet helps keep you safe in case water gets on the lamp.

Turn the lamp on and aim it at the icy part of the pipe. Watch the temperature and be careful not to leave the lamp on too long, as it could harm the pipe. Use a thermometer that doesn’t need to touch the pipe to check how warm it is.

Once the ice is gone, turn the lamp off and let the pipe cool off slowly. This way, you safely thaw the pipe without breaking it.

Heat the Surrounding Area

To thaw frozen pipes, increase the temperature around them using space heaters or forced air heaters. Keep these heaters far from things that can catch fire, like curtains or paper. This method helps melt the ice slowly inside the pipes, reducing the chance of damage or fire.

• Pick Safe Heaters: Use heaters that turn off automatically if they get too hot. This helps prevent fires.

• Place Heaters Carefully: Keep heaters at least three feet away from flammable items.

• Ventilate the Area: Make sure there is enough airflow to prevent carbon monoxide from building up if you’re using fuel-burning heaters.

• Check Electrical Load: Plug heaters directly into wall sockets to avoid overloading circuits. Don’t use extension cords.

• Watch Heaters Closely: Never leave heaters on without supervision to avoid accidents.

Monitor Pipe Temperature

It’s important to keep an eye on pipe temperature to prevent them from freezing again after they’ve been thawed. Use a non-contact infrared thermometer to check the pipe’s temperature. Make sure the thermometer is set up right for accurate readings. Point it at different spots along the pipe to find any cold areas, which could mean the pipe might freeze again.

Once you know how warm the pipe is, keep it from freezing by using a heat source nearby. You can use heat tape or pipe insulation to help keep the temperature steady. Make sure the heat tape is suitable for the pipe and installed correctly to avoid overheating or electrical problems.

If you have a temperature monitoring system, use it to keep an eye on the pipe’s temperature from a distance. Set the system to alert you if the temperature gets close to freezing, so you can act fast if needed. Check the monitoring equipment often to make sure it’s working and change the batteries or parts if necessary.

Be safe by wearing protective gear when using heating tools and keep electrical devices dry.

Following these steps will help stop your pipes from freezing again.

Check for Leaks

Finding leaks in your plumbing is important because even tiny leaks can cause big water damage and costly repairs. 

To find leaks, follow these steps:

• Turn Off the Main Water Supply: Stop the water to prevent more damage.

• Look for Visible Signs: Check the area for any wet spots or signs of water.

• Check Pipe Connections: Look closely at where pipes connect for drips or wetness.

• Watch the Water Meter: With all taps off, see if the meter moves. If it does, there may be a hidden leak.

• Listen for Water Noises: Use a listening tool to hear hissing or dripping in walls or floors.

• Check Walls and Ceilings: Look for water stains or spots, which might mean there’s a leak you can’t see.

• Use Leak Detection Dye: Put dye in the system to find leaks that aren’t easy to see.

Be careful with tools and ask a plumber for help if you’re not sure. Finding and fixing leaks quickly can help avoid danger and save money.

Insulate Vulnerable Pipes

Keeping your pipes warm is important to stop them from freezing and breaking, which can be expensive to fix. First, find pipes that get cold, like those in basements, attics, or crawl spaces. Use special materials like foam sleeves or fiberglass wraps to keep the heat in. These materials help keep the pipes warm by stopping the cold from getting in.

To do this right, measure how long and wide each pipe is so you can pick the right size insulation. Cut the insulation to fit just right, with no spaces where cold air can sneak in. Use tape or zip ties to hold the insulation snugly on the pipe.

For parts where the pipe bends or joins, use special fittings or carefully cut the insulation to cover everything. Always wear gloves and safety glasses to keep safe from sharp edges or fiberglass bits. Making sure pipes are well-insulated is key to keeping them safe from freezing weather.

Prevent Future Freezing

Taking preventive steps before temperatures drop can help protect your pipes from freezing and bursting. The American Red Cross recommends the following measures:

• Keep garage doors closed if water supply lines run through the garage to retain heat.

• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around plumbing, but move hazardous chemicals out of children’s reach.

• Let cold water drip from faucets connected to exposed pipes, as even a small flow can prevent freezing.

• Maintain a consistent thermostat setting day and night. While this may slightly increase heating costs, it is far less expensive than repairing burst pipes.

• If traveling during cold weather, leave your home’s heat on and set it no lower than 55°F to prevent freezing.

Additional Precautions Before Extreme Cold Hits

If temperatures are expected to fall below 20°F, take extra steps to protect your pipes:

• Drain water from swimming pool and sprinkler supply lines according to manufacturer instructions, but avoid adding antifreeze unless explicitly directed.

• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, then close inside valves supplying outdoor faucets. Leave outside faucets slightly open to allow remaining water to expand without bursting pipes.

• Add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces to help retain heat and prevent freezing.

• Check unheated areas for exposed water supply lines, such as in garages or under sinks, and take steps to insulate them.

• Use pipe insulation products, such as pipe sleeves, UL-listed heat tape, or heat cables, to protect exposed pipes. Even wrapping pipes in newspaper can provide some insulation.

• Consider relocating exposed pipes to better protect them from extreme cold.

By taking these precautions, you can reduce the risk of frozen pipes and avoid costly water damage during winter.

Know When to Call a Plumber

If you have frozen pipes, sometimes you need a plumber to help. First, check how many pipes are frozen. If several are, you probably need a plumber. Look for signs like pipes swelling or cracking. This can mean the pipes might burst, and a plumber should look at them quickly to prevent water damage.

If water isn’t flowing even after trying to thaw the pipes, there might be a blockage. This is more than just freezing and needs special tools a plumber has. Don’t try to fix it yourself with fire or too much heat, as this can damage the pipes and be unsafe.

If you can’t reach the pipes because they’re behind walls or under floors, call a plumber to check them. If any pipe has already burst, call a plumber fast to stop more water damage.

Also, if you’re unsure about your pipes or what they’re made of, a plumber can help ensure everything gets fixed the right way. Knowing when to call a plumber can help keep your home safe and prevent bigger problems.