Key Takeaways
- Turn off main water or affected faucet’s water source, then open the affected faucet to relieve the frozen pipe.
- Apply heat with a hair dryer, heating pad, or towels until water pressure returns.
- For pipes behind walls, raise the furnace or use an infrared lamp. Call a plumber if the pipe has burst.
- Insulate exposed pipes with heat tape or foam wrap to prevent future freezing and bursting.
What to Do First If You Find a Frozen Pipe
When you discover a frozen pipe, the first 5–10 minutes matter. Follow these steps in order:
- Shut off your home’s main water supply if you suspect a burst, or close the cold-water valve to the affected fixture.
- Open the faucet associated with the frozen pipe so water can flow once the ice melts.
- Turn up your home’s thermostat to push warm air toward exterior walls.
- Move stored items, valuables, or rugs away from any pipe at risk of bursting.
- Take photos of any visible damage now, before thawing, in case you need them for an insurance claim.
How Do I Find Which Water Pipe Is Frozen in My Home?
What should I do first if I find a frozen water pipe in my home?
First, locate the section of the pipe that’s frozen. Turn off the faucet or shut off your home’s main water shutoff valve.
Then open the faucet associated with the frozen pipe so that once the ice dam thaws, water can flow and help melt the ice faster.
Locate the section of the pipe that’s frozen. Once you suspect a frozen pipe, do the following:
- Open the faucet that’s associated with the frozen pipe, even if you aren’t yet sure where exactly the blockage is located. Once the ice dam is thawed, water will flow out of the pipe, and water flow also helps melt ice faster.
- Once you know which faucet and pipe are frozen, locate the blockage. Follow the pipe from the faucet toward cold, unheated areas. Exterior walls and unheated crawl spaces are common culprits.
- You might notice frost on the pipe or areas with slight bulges or breaks. These are sure signs that you’ve found the right spot.
How can I safely thaw a frozen pipe that’s behind a wall?
If the pipe hasn’t burst, turn your home’s furnace up and wait for the warmth to reach the pipe, or use an infrared lamp to heat the section of wall.
If you can’t access the pipe, you may need to cut out a piece of drywall, and in difficult cases, it’s a good idea to call a licensed plumber.
Hopefully, the frozen pipe hasn’t burst. If it has, that will require the help of a licensed plumber. If a pipe is frozen and located behind a wall, your best bet is to turn your home’s furnace up and then wait for the warmth to reach the pipe. You can also use an infrared lamp to help heat the section of wall where you think the pipe is frozen.
When to call a licensed plumber
Stop and call a plumber if any of the following apply:
- You see visible cracks, bulging, or active leaks on the pipe.
- Water is pooling on the floor, ceiling, or behind a wall.
- You cannot safely access the frozen section of pipe.
- Your home has lost all water pressure on multiple fixtures simultaneously.
How Can I Safely Thaw a Frozen Pipe That’s Exposed?
Exposed pipes can be found in your bathroom or kitchen cabinets, and also outside (or via removing drywall, as mentioned above, if necessary). If you notice an exposed frozen pipe, try the following:
- Apply heat to the frozen pipe with a heating pad, blow dryer, towels soaked in hot water, or with a space heater. Continue to apply heat until water pressure is restored.
- Wrap heat tape around the frozen section of pipe. heat tape is a wrap that has electrical heating elements within the material. According to the New York State Clean Heat Program, properly installed heat tape can help prevent frozen pipes. Simply wrap it around the pipe and plug it into the wall. Heat wraps also include a thermostat, making them a great option for more permanent frozen pipe prevention.
- If the pipe is located inside a cabinet, keep the cabinet door open so that heat from the rest of the room can reach the pipe.
What Not to Do When Thawing Frozen Pipes
Some common approaches to thawing frozen pipes are extremely unsafe. Here’s some advice about things you shouldn’t do:
- Never use an open flame or propane torch on a pipe. The fire risk is high, and direct flame can damage the pipe and surrounding materials.
- Never pour boiling water onto pipes inside walls. The water won’t reach the frozen section, and the surrounding heat and water can damage drywall and insulation.
- Keep electrical heat sources away from standing water or wet surfaces. Hair dryers create electrical shock risk in damp areas.
- Never leave a space heater unattended while it warms a pipe. Set a timer and check on it every 15 minutes.
Once you’ve thawed the frozen pipe the right way, consider insulating it to prevent future issues with freezing and potential bursting.
Let 2-10 Help Protect Your Budget
Once your pipes are thawed and in proper working order, consider protecting your budget an affordable 2-10 home warranty. Although a home warranty doesn’t cover damage caused by frozen pipes, it can help you address plumbing issues caused by routine wear and tear.
See the plan agreement for coverage details, including service fees, limitations, and exclusions. Coverage limits and charges for non-covered items may apply.
