The water slows to a trickle or stops altogether. You check the faucet. No water. If temperatures have dropped below freezing, there’s a good chance your pipes are frozen. This is a serious issue that can lead to major damage if not handled quickly and correctly. Frozen pipes can burst and once they thaw, the damage spreads fast. Knowing how to fix frozen pipes safely and knowing when it’s time to call a licensed residential plumber can save your home from water damage and costly repairs.
Start With Signs Your Pipes Are Frozen
You won’t always hear a loud bang or see a puddle to know something’s wrong. Here are a few signs to watch for:
- No water or very little water coming from faucets
- Frost or visible condensation on exposed pipes
- Strange smells from drains or faucets (often from blocked pipes)
- Bulging or cracked sections of pipe
If you notice any of these signs, act fast. Don’t wait for a pipe to burst.
Immediate Steps to Take If Your Pipes Are Frozen
Before you search how to fix frozen pipes online and grab a blow dryer, take a minute to locate the problem and reduce risk. Here’s what to do right away:
Shut Off the Main Water Valve
If you suspect a pipe is frozen, shut off the main water valve to your house. This reduces pressure in the system and can help prevent the pipe from bursting once it begins to thaw.
Open Faucets
Turn on cold water faucets. This relieves pressure and gives melted water somewhere to go. If part of the pipe thaws, water can flow through instead of backing up and bursting.
Check Exposed Pipes First
Start in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, garages, and under kitchen or bathroom cabinets. These spots are the most likely to freeze. If you find an exposed pipe that’s cold to the touch or has frost, you’ve probably found your frozen section.
How to Fix Frozen Pipes Safely
Trying to thaw pipes on your own can work, but only in very specific conditions. You need to know the pipe hasn’t cracked, and the frozen section must be accessible. Otherwise, the risk of damage goes way up. Here’s how to fix frozen pipes if you decide to try it yourself:
Use Gentle, Consistent Heat
Apply heat slowly. Do not use open flames. That includes torches, propane heaters, or any device with an open flame. These can crack pipes or start fires.
Instead, try:
- A hair dryer
- A portable space heater (keep it at a safe distance)
- Warm towels soaked in hot water
Work from the faucet end toward the frozen section so any melted water can escape. Be patient. Thawing takes time, and rushing increases the risk of a burst.
Monitor for Leaks
Once water starts flowing again, inspect the pipe closely. Listen and look for drips. A frozen pipe that cracks won’t always burst right away, and thawing can expose breaks that weren’t visible before. If you find a leak, shut off the main water line again and call a plumber immediately.
When to Call a Professional Residential Plumber
Trying to fix frozen pipes yourself works only if the pipe is exposed, hasn’t burst, and you have the right tools. But in many cases, calling a licensed plumber is the safest option.
Here’s when you should make the call:
- You can’t locate the frozen section
- The pipe is behind a wall or ceiling
- You see cracks or water damage
- The pipe won’t thaw after an hour of applying heat
- You don’t feel safe trying to thaw it yourself
Frozen pipes in hidden areas can burst and cause serious damage behind drywall or under floors. A plumber has the tools to locate the frozen area without ripping apart your home. They can also check for any weak spots in your plumbing system to prevent future problems.
Preventing Frozen Pipes in the Future
Once you’ve dealt with a frozen pipe, the last thing you want is to go through it again. Frozen pipes can strike fast, especially during a sudden cold front. Preparation and maintenance go a long way toward keeping your system safe. Use these tips to protect your plumbing during cold snaps:
- Keep cabinet doors open under sinks so warm air can reach pipes
- Let cold water drip slowly from faucets on freezing nights
- Add insulation to pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and garages
- Use heat tape on pipes that are prone to freezing
- Keep your thermostat consistent, even at night or when you’re away
Don’t Wait! Call CW Suter Before It Bursts
Frozen pipes can turn into flooded rooms in minutes. If you’re unsure how to fix frozen pipes or if you notice any signs of damage, don’t wait. CW Suter offers reliable 24/7 plumbing services across Sioux City, Spencer, and Yankton. Our licensed plumbers can handle everything from frozen lines to full pipe replacements, and we do it without the runaround.
Call 712-252-3007 right now for fast, professional help. You can also schedule service online to get a free, no-obligation quote. Don’t let a frozen pipe turn into a disaster. Let CW Suter take care of it. Learn more about our residential plumbing services. From plumbing service to a kitchen or bathroom, we have you covered!