Frozen & Burst Pipes

SIGNS

How to tell a pipe is frozen

A trickle or nothing

A tap gives only a trickle, or no water, during very cold weather.

Frost on the pipe

Visible frost or a very cold section on exposed pipe.

Cold locations

Lines along exterior walls, in garages, crawl spaces or under sinks on outside walls.

Bulge or crack

A bulged or split section — close the main valve before it thaws.

THAW SAFELY

Thawing a frozen pipe, step by step

1
If it may be split, close the main shut-off first.Thawing a cracked pipe with the water on floods the area.
2
Open the tap it feeds.Melting ice and pressure need somewhere to go.
3
Warm gently from the tap toward the frozen spot.A hair dryer, electric heating pad, or towels soaked in warm water.
4
Keep going until full pressure returns.Then check every other tap — frozen pipes rarely come alone.

Never use a torch, open flame, or fuel-burning heater.They are a serious fire risk and can damage the pipe. Don’t leave any heater unattended.

Homeowner warming a frozen pipe with a hair dryer — Gentle heat, starting at the open tap.

Split copper pipe with ice showing through the crack — A split like this leaks as soon as it thaws.

COLD SNAP

Cold-snap checklist

Keep the heat on and steadyDon’t let the home get cold overnight or while you’re away; override smart-thermostat setbacks. Open cabinet doorsLet warm air reach pipes under sinks on outside walls. Let a tap dripA slow drip on vulnerable lines during extreme cold keeps water moving. Shut & drain outdoor tapsClose the inside isolation valve and open the outdoor tap to drain it. Insulate exposed linesPipe sleeves or approved heat cable in garages, crawl spaces and attics. Seal draftsClose garage doors and fix gaps where cold air reaches water lines.

Travelling in winter? Check your home insurance — many policies set conditions for heat and supervision while you’re away.

NEXT STEP

Pipe won’t thaw, or it’s already split?

A plumber can thaw lines safely, repair splits and check for hidden damage.

Request Emergency Service Open The Triage Guide