How to Fix Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are a winter emergency that needs careful handling. Thawing them incorrectly can cause them to burst — turning a frozen pipe into a flooded home. Here's how to do it safely.

Signs of a Frozen Pipe

No water or very little water from a faucet during cold weather
Frost visible on an exposed pipe
Bulging or cracking visible on a pipe
Strange smells from faucets (sewer gas backing up through frozen drain pipes)

Before You Start: Check for Cracks

Before thawing, inspect the pipe for visible cracks or splits. A pipe that has already burst will flood when thawed — turn off the main water supply before thawing if you see any damage.

Step 1: Open the Faucet

Open the faucet that the frozen pipe feeds. As the ice melts, water and steam need somewhere to go. Keeping the faucet open also relieves pressure as the pipe thaws.

Step 2: Thaw the Pipe Safely

Work from the faucet end toward the frozen section — never from the middle, as this can trap steam and cause the pipe to burst.

Safe thawing methods:

Hair dryer — the safest and most controlled method. Move it back and forth along the frozen section. Keep it moving — don't hold it in one spot.
Heat lamp or space heater — direct heat toward the frozen section from a safe distance
Hot towels — soak towels in hot water and wrap around the frozen pipe. Re-soak as they cool.
Electric heating cable — wrap around the pipe and plug in. Safe for extended use: 👉 pipe heating cable

Never use:

❌ Open flame (torch, lighter) — fire hazard and can damage pipes
❌ Boiling water poured directly on pipes — thermal shock can crack pipes
❌ High-heat heat guns — too much heat too fast

Step 3: Restore Water Flow

As the pipe thaws, water will begin to trickle from the open faucet. Continue applying heat until full flow is restored. Check the entire pipe run for additional frozen sections.

Step 4: Check for Damage

After thawing, inspect the pipe carefully for cracks or splits. Even a small crack will leak once water pressure is restored. If you find damage, apply a temporary fix:

👉 Self-fusing silicone tape — wrap tightly over the crack
👉 Pipe repair clamp — most reliable temporary fix

When to Call a Plumber

You can't locate the frozen section (pipe is inside a wall)
The pipe has burst
Multiple pipes are frozen
You're not comfortable with the thawing process

Bottom Line

Thaw frozen pipes slowly and safely using a hair dryer or heating cable — never open flame. Work from the faucet end toward the frozen section. Check for cracks after thawing and apply a temporary fix if needed. Then take steps to prevent it from happening again.

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