Yes, you can call a licensed plumber to unfreeze pipes. They can locate hidden freeze points and safely thaw them using specialized tools like high-amperage pipe-thawing machines, and they are essential if a frozen pipe has burst or if you are unable to locate the blockage.
If a pipe is frozen but not damaged, a plumber may only need to thaw it. Thawing services typically cost $100 to $200 when pipes are easy to access. When pipes crack or burst, repairs become more complex and expensive.
Plumbers fix frozen pipes by immediately opening faucets to relieve pressure, locating the ice blockage, and applying controlled heat. To safely thaw the ice without causing the pipe to crack, professionals use specialized pipe-thawing machines, infrared heat guns, commercial steamers, or industrial-grade heating cables.
Inspect the pipe: Since burst pipes won't leak until they thaw, inspect them for any bursts or cracks while they are still frozen. If you find any damage, call a plumber immediately.
If the pipe is weak or has no space for expansion, it may burst within a few hours of freezing. In other cases, pipes may remain frozen for days before bursting when temperatures fluctuate. The worst-case scenario is a sudden temperature rise, causing a rapid thaw and an unexpected leak.
It's such a simple thing, leaving a single faucet dripping, but it can prevent so many complications later on. How much value does one dripping faucet have? A lot, if it keeps your home's water pipes from bursting during frigid weather.
Yes, pipes will freeze if the heat is off and the outside temperature drops below freezing. Without active heating, a home's interior temperature generally drops to freezing levels within 6 to 8 hours, placing your pipes at severe risk of cracking and bursting.
Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
Yes, homeowners insurance typically covers water damage caused by burst frozen pipes, provided the incident was "sudden and accidental" and you took reasonable precautions to prevent it.
Try wrapping an electronic heating pad around the pipe, heating the area with a hair dryer, or both. Towels soaked in hot water will help as well. Apply until water runs normally. If possible, locate the section of pipe that is frozen and thaw it yourself using gentle heat (slowly warm it up).
Here are six of the most common signs of frozen pipes.
Roto-Rooter costs $100 to $600 on average for minor fixture repairs or clogged plumbing. Roto-Rooter rates for fixing a toilet or sink are less than for unclogging drains and sewer lines. Plumbing services for emergencies like burst pipes cost $1,000 to $3,500.
Typical high-risk areas for freezing include pipes within exterior walls, as well as exposed pipes that run through unheated or uninsulated areas such as attics or basements. By keeping an eye out for the warning signs of frozen pipes, you can help protect your family from needless hardship and unplanned expenses.
In plumbing, the "135-degree rule" is a code standard that dictates how much a horizontal drain pipe can bend or change direction. It limits the total cumulative angle of pipe fittings before a system requires an access point (cleanout) or must be vented, ensuring proper flow and preventing chronic clogs.
An electrical heating pad can also be used to thaw pipes. Plug the pad in and wrap it around the pipe, slowly moving it from the faucet to the blockage as the water starts to thaw. You can also soak towels in hot water and wrap them the same way if needed—just make sure to keep swapping them out as they cool.
If you have an emergency, such as a burst water main or blocked toilet, plumbers will usually charge a call-out fee on top of their usual hourly rate and any charge for supplies.
Check all faucets in the house to determine if the situation is widespread. If it is, open all faucets, turn off the main water to the house, and call a plumber. If only one pipe is frozen, turn on the appropriate faucet to help get the water moving in the pipe once it thaws.
If your pipes are frozen, a hairdryer is the safest way to thaw it, the IFD says. Using a flame or torch is not recommended. “Homeowners who experience a frozen pipe can try to thaw the line safely by using a hair dryer.
Turn off the water immediately at the main shut off valve. Open the faucet so that water will flow through the pipe once the area is melted. This will help melt more ice.
Avoid making guesses or unsupported statements about what caused the damage to your property. Speculating can lead to inaccuracies in the adjuster's report, potentially affecting your claim.
Pipes located in basements, crawl spaces, unheated rooms, and outside walls are at a higher risk of freezing. It is the responsibility of you, the customer, to protect the water meter and piping within your property from freezing.
You can expect to pay between $150 and $5,000 for frozen pipe repairs. The average cost is typically around $500, but costs vary depending on the type of pipe and labor. The plumber may just thaw your pipe if it is frozen but not burst. If it's leaking, it may cost more to repair.
Allow warm air to circulate in the area where the water comes in to the house. Leave utility room doors open and clear space around the water line to help prevent cold pockets of air near the pipes. Remove contents of vanity cupboards that conceal pipes, and leave the doors open.
Rubbing alcohol does not technically "stop" water from freezing on its own, but it significantly lowers the freezing point of water through a process called freezing point depression.
Trying to fix frozen pipes yourself works only if the pipe is exposed, hasn't burst, and you have the right tools. But in many cases, calling a licensed plumber is the safest option.