If you think you have frozen water pipes, act quickly but carefully. Follow this step by step guide to safely troubleshoot:
🚰 1. Turn on the faucet
- Open the faucet served by the frozen pipe (both hot and cold if possible).
- Let it drip slightly—this relieves pressure and helps prevent bursting.
🔥 2. Warm the pipe safely
Start at the faucet end and work back toward the frozen section.
Use:
- A hair dryer
- Heating pad or electric heat tape
- Warm towels soaked in hot water
❌ Do NOT use:
- Open flames (torch, candle, space heater)
- Charcoal or propane heaters indoors
🏠 3. Increase indoor heat
- Turn up the thermostat.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate.
- Close garage doors if pipes run through walls near them.
🔍 4. Check for leaks
- As the pipe thaws, watch closely for cracks or leaks.
- If you see water leaking, turn off the main water supply immediately.
🚨 5. If you can’t find or thaw it
- Call a licensed plumber if:
- The pipe is inside a wall or ceiling
- You can’t locate the frozen area
- Water pressure doesn’t return
❄️ If a pipe has already burst
- Shut off the main water valve right away.
- Turn off electricity if water is near outlets.
- Call a plumber.
- Begin water cleanup to prevent damage.
🛡️ Prevent future freezing
- Let faucets drip during extreme cold
- Insulate exposed pipes
- Seal air leaks near pipes
- Keep home heat at least 55°F, even when away
If your water meter iteself appears to be leaking or spraying water, call our office immediately.
