How to Unfreeze Water Pipes Safely

A frozen pipe in your home isn't just an inconvenience. It's a ticking timebomb. Every winter, more than 20% of homes across the U.S. face the risk of frozen pipes. As the water freezes, building pressure inside the pipes can lead to cracks or bursts, resulting in massive water damage. The average frozen pipe insurance claim runs around $18,000! 

If you've already got a burst pipe on your hands, shut off your main water supply ASAP and contact a plumber or SERVPRO. If your pipe’s only frozen, however, you still have time to act.  

By learning how to thaw frozen water pipes quickly, you can prevent a major home catastrophe and a large repair bill.  

Key Takeaways

• Thawing a frozen pipe before it bursts can save you from serious water damage and costly repairs. 
• Know the warning signs of frozen pipes, such as reduced water flow, frost on exposed pipes, and unusual odors coming from your faucets. 
• Apply safe, gradual heat, like a hair dryer or heating pad, to thaw the frozen pipes. 
• Call a professional for pipes behind walls or in tight spaces rather than risk making the problem worse. 
• Check pipes for cracks or leaks after thawing before fully restoring your water.   

Spot the Signs of Frozen Pipes

When outdoor temperatures fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, your pipes are at risk of freezing. If the weather forecast predicts a prolonged cold snap, start paying attention to your pipes, especially those running along exterior walls, in unheated crawl spaces, or in uninsulated areas of your home. 

The best way to avoid a bursting pipe is to catch frozen pipes early. Watch for these signs of freezing pipes: 

• Low water flow: If you turn on the faucet and only get a trickle of water, or nothing at all, a frozen pipe may be blocking the flow. 
• Frost on pipes: Exposed pipes that show frost or ice are a clear red flag. 
• Unusual odors from faucets: If you notice a strange smell coming from your drain or faucet, it could mean odors have no way to escape from a blocked pipe. 
• Bulging or cracked pipes: Visible deformities on exposed pipes are a clear indicator that ice is already building up and expanding inside.  

How to Thaw Frozen Water Pipes

If you spot signs of a frozen water pipe, it's time to get to work. Here's how to safely tackle the problem.  

1. Confirm Which Pipes Are Frozen

Thawing your water pipes starts with tracking down the source of the problem. Pipes in poorly heated spots are almost always the culprit. Check pipes running along exterior walls, in unheated basements, crawl spaces, garages, or in kitchen and bathroom cabinets.  

From there, figure out whether you're dealing with one frozen pipe or a bigger problem. Turn on a few faucets around your home. If only one or two have weak flow, the freeze is probably isolated to one area. If the whole house has low water pressure, your main supply line may be frozen. In that case, it's time to call SERVPRO.  

2. Keep the Faucet Open

Before you turn up the heat to thaw your frozen pipe, open the connected faucet. As the ice melts, water and steam in the pipe will need to escape. An open faucet relieves pressure and can help prevent burst pipes.  

3. Apply Heat

The golden rule of how to thaw frozen water pipes is slow and steady. Applying moderate, consistent heat directly to the pipes is always the right approach. Here are some effective options to try: 

• Hair dryer: Most homeowners can nab this from their bathroom. Start near the faucet and work your way back toward the frozen section. 
• Heating pad or electric heat tape: Wrap either one around the frozen pipe and let the gentle heat do its work.  
• Space heater: If you're dealing with a cold basement or crawl space, a portable space heater will warm the whole area. Just keep it away from anything flammable.  
• Turn up the thermostat: Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. Raising the heat throughout your home gives pipes in interior walls and common areas a chance to thaw on their own. 

What to Do About Inaccessible Pipes

Not all frozen pipes are easy to get to. When a freeze occurs behind a wall, above a ceiling, or under a floor, your options are much more limited. You can try turning up the thermostat and giving it some time to warm up. However, when it comes to unfreezing water pipes that you simply can't reach, your safest bet is to call a professional. 

SERVPRO’s trained technicians have the tools and experience to locate the freeze, thaw the pipe safely, and spot any damage before it becomes a much bigger problem. Attempting to cut into walls or apply heat blindly on your own may cause more harm than good.   

What to Avoid When Unfreezing Pipes

When you're dealing with a frozen pipe, it's just as important to know what not to do. Here are some risky mistakes to avoid: 

• Open flames: Never use a propane torch or any open flame near your pipes. It's a serious fire hazard and can damage your pipes. 
• Excessive heat: If you apply too much heat too quickly, pipes can crack or the fittings could fail. 
• Unattended heat sources: Never leave a space heater or heat lamp running near pipes without supervision. 

When in doubt, applying heat slow and steady is the way to go.  

Check for Leaks and Damage After Thawing

Knowing how to thaw frozen pipes is only half the battle. Once your water is flowing again, check your pipes for cracks, leaks, or bulging. You'll also want to inspect the surrounding walls and floors for moisture.  

Going forward, the best way to prevent pipes from freezing is to insulate them and keep your thermostat up during chilly weather.  

If you discover water damage after your pipes freeze, act fast. Mold can set in within 24 to 75 hours. Contact SERVPRO right away. Our local team is available 24/7 to help you recover from water damage.  

FAQs

How do I know if my water pipes are frozen?

The most common signs of a frozen pipe include little to no water flowing from a faucet, visible frost on exposed pipes, and unusual odors coming from drains. If you notice these signs in multiple faucets, your main supply line might be frozen.  

How long does it take for water pipes to unfreeze?

When you apply direct heat to a frozen pipe, it can thaw in as little as 30 to 45 minutes. However, pipes in hard-to-reach areas or those with heavy freezing can take several hours to thaw. Be patient. Don't rush the thawing process with excessive heat.  

Will water pipes unfreeze on their own?

Yes, pipes can thaw on their own when temperatures rise but waiting it out is risky. The longer a pipe stays frozen, the greater the chance it'll crack or burst.  

Who should you call about frozen water pipes?

If you can't find or access frozen pipes, call a licensed plumber. They will have the tools to safely reach and thaw pipes in tricky spots. If a pipe bursts and causes water damage in your home, contact SERVPRO right away for fast, effective assistance.