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Fix pipes that are frozen

We'll shut off water, thaw slowly and safely, insulate to prevent refreezing—or tell you when to call a pro if a pipe has burst.

Troubleshooting · Home plumbing
30–90 min
What you'll need
  • Hair dryer, heat lamp, or space heater (never open flame)
  • Pipe insulation (foam sleeves or heat tape)
  • Towels (to catch drips)
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Steps

Goal: Shut off water, thaw slowly, insulate—or call a pro if a pipe has burst.

  • Check faucets in the affected area. No water or a trickle in cold weather often means frozen pipes.
  • Good: No water or reduced flow—likely frozen. Proceed to Shut off water and thaw.
  • Bad: Water flows normally—different problem. See When to get help.

Shut off water and thaw

Goal: Prevent pressure buildup and thaw the pipe safely.

  • Locate the main shutoff and turn it clockwise to close. Open the cold and hot faucets on the frozen line.
  • Locate the frozen section—usually in unheated areas (crawl spaces, attics, garages, exterior walls). Feel for the coldest spot or look for frost.
  • Thaw slowly with a hair dryer, heat lamp, or space heater—never an open flame or propane torch. Start at the faucet and work toward the cold so water can flow as ice melts.
  • Good: Water flows at the faucet with no leaks. Proceed to Insulate.
  • Bad: Pipe has burst or you see water damage—shut off water and call a plumber immediately.

Insulate

Goal: Prevent refreezing.

  • Wrap exposed pipes with pipe insulation (foam sleeves or heat tape). Seal gaps that let cold air reach pipes.
  • Add heat to vulnerable areas if needed—space heater, heat lamp, or leave cabinet doors open.
  • Good: Pipes are insulated and gaps sealed. The area is warmer and less likely to refreeze.
  • Bad: Pipes still exposed—add more insulation or a heat source.

When to get help

Call a plumber immediately if:

  • A pipe has burst.
  • You see water spraying or pooling.
  • You suspect a leak behind a wall.

Do not try to thaw a burst pipe—shut off water and get a pro.

Verification

  • Water flows at the faucet with no leaks.
  • Exposed pipes are insulated and gaps are sealed.
  • No water damage or pooling. If you see damage, shut off water and call a plumber.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Shut off water Close the main valve to prevent pressure buildup and limit damage.
  2. Thaw slowly Use hair dryer, heat lamp, or space heater—never open flame. Start at the faucet.
  3. Insulate Wrap exposed pipes and seal gaps to prevent refreezing.
  4. Call a pro Pipe burst, water spraying or pooling, or leak behind wall—shut off water and call a plumber.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Location of frozen section
  • Whether the pipe has burst
  • Steps already tried
  • Whether water flows after thawing

Do you have no water or reduced flow from a faucet?

Frozen pipes often show as no water or a trickle. Check if it is cold outside and pipes are in unheated areas.

Check faucets in the affected area. Good: no water or trickle—likely frozen. Bad: water flows normally—different problem; check for a clog or leak elsewhere.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Has a pipe burst or do you see water damage?

If water is spraying or pooling, or you see staining on walls or ceilings, a pipe may have burst.

Look for spraying water, pooling, or stains. Good: no burst—proceed to thaw. Bad: burst or water damage—shut off main water and call a plumber immediately.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Shut off main water and open faucets

Shut off the main valve to prevent pressure buildup. Open faucets on the affected line.

Turn the main shutoff clockwise to close. Open the cold and hot faucets on the frozen line. Good: water is off and faucets are open. Bad: cannot find or close the valve—call a plumber.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Thaw slowly with safe heat

Use hair dryer, heat lamp, or space heater. Never open flame. Start at the faucet and work toward the cold.

Apply heat to the frozen section. Start at the faucet so water can flow as ice melts. Good: water flows at the faucet with no leaks. Bad: leak or burst—shut off water and call a plumber.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Insulate exposed pipes

Wrap pipes with insulation and seal gaps to prevent refreezing.

Wrap exposed pipes with pipe insulation or heat tape. Seal gaps that let cold air reach pipes. Good: pipes are insulated and gaps sealed. Bad: pipes still exposed—add more insulation or a heat source.

Done

Call a plumber

If a pipe has burst, you see water spraying or pooling, or you suspect a leak behind a wall, shut off the main water supply and call a plumber immediately. Do not try to thaw a burst pipe.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why do pipes freeze?
Pipes freeze when temperatures drop and cold reaches exposed or poorly insulated pipes. Pipes in unheated areas (crawl spaces, attics, exterior walls) are most at risk. No heat in the space or a draft can cause freezing.
Can I thaw frozen pipes myself?
Yes, if the pipe has not burst. Shut off the main water supply first. Thaw slowly with a hair dryer, heat lamp, or space heater—never an open flame. Start at the faucet and work toward the cold. Open the faucet so water can flow as it thaws.
When should I call a plumber for frozen pipes?
Call a plumber immediately if a pipe has burst, you see water spraying or pooling, or you suspect a leak behind a wall. Do not try to thaw a burst pipe—shut off water and get a pro.

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