How to Handle a Frozen Pipe

Frozen pipes are common wintertime plumbing problems that require quick action to prevent extensive damage. As a homeowner, there are a few steps you can take to try to address a frozen pipe on your own. If your pipe has already burst or your efforts to thaw it aren’t successful, contact a plumber for professional assistance.

Turn Off Your Water Supply

The first step you should take when you discover a frozen pipe is to turn off your home’s main water supply. This will prevent a major flood if your pipe bursts before you can thaw it. In most homes, the main water shutoff valve is located near the water meter. It’s a good idea to identify your main water shutoff valve prior to an emergency so you can act quickly should the need arise. If you can’t find your main water shutoff valve, you can ask your plumber to show you where it is during his next visit.

Heat the Pipe

If a pipe freezes but hasn’t burst, you can try warming the pipe to thaw the ice inside before it expands and damages your plumbing. Never use a torch or open flame to thaw a frozen pipe; instead, use a blow dryer, electric pipe wrap, or space heater placed a few feet away from the pipe. It’s important to monitor the pipe as you heat it to check for signs of a leak. If you identify water dripping from the pipe, it has cracked and needs to be repaired before you turn your home’s main water supply back on. Contact a plumber to repair the damage or replace the burst section of pipe.

Call Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical for fast, reliable, round-the-clock plumbing services in Seattle, Tacoma, Auburn, Everett, and Kent. Our expert plumbers and technicians are here to provide top-quality customer service to solve any sewer, plumbing, drain, or heating problem. Check us out on the web or call us at (206) 452-4363 to learn why Beacon has enjoyed the title of Seattle’s #1 Plumber for more than a decade!

address a frozen pipe on your own wintertime plumbing problems