How do you unfreeze water pipes behind the wall?

Author: Courtney Turcotte  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Try a Blow-Dryer A blow-dryer is usually the easiest and safest way to thaw a pipe. If the pipe is close to the wall, you can also place a cookie sheet behind the pipe to help radiate heat from the wall onto the backside of the pipe.

How do you unfreeze a pipe behind the wall?

Use an infrared lamp to heat the wall section where the frozen pipe is located. Heat lamps are a second choice, but infrared lamps are more efficient because theyn'tn't heat the air. Infrared lamps direct their energy toward warming the wall and frozen pipe instead of warming the air that touches the wall.

Will pouring hot water down the drain unfreeze pipes?

In most instances, pouring hot water down the drain will unfreeze drain pipes. However, it's essential to take your time with this method to increase its effectiveness and ensure your safety. Follow these simple steps: Fill a pot with a half-gallon of water and bring it to a boil on the stove.

How do I unfreeze my hidden pipes in my house?

Apply heat to the pipe.

You can also use a small heater or heat lamp. If there is no electrical outlet, boil some water and soak a few towels in it. Wrap the pipe with these towels. When the towels cool, repeat the process until the pipe is completely thawed.

How do you unfreeze pipes you can't reach?

If possible, locate the section of pipe that is frozen and thaw it yourself using gentle heat (slowly warm it up). If you heat the pipes up too quickly, they can crack or melt due to the quick change in temperature! Try wrapping an electronic heating pad around the pipe, heating the area with a hair dryer, or both.

How to thaw a frozen pipe, in behind a wall. With no damage.

Should I turn my faucet on if my pipes are frozen?

Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.

Will frozen pipes unfreeze on their own?

Risk of bursting

Frozen pipes will eventually thaw on their own, but it could take days or even weeks. If New York City is experiencing a brutal cold snap, the temperature could stay below freezing for many days. Meanwhile, the water in the pipes could be expanding.

How long does it take for house pipes to unfreeze?

If you choose to unfreeze your own pipes, how long it takes for pipes to thaw depends on whether the pipes are exposed, enclosed, or underground. It will take roughly 30-40 minutes of using a heat source to thaw exposed pipes.

Will shutting off water keep pipes from freezing?

Prevent Frozen Pipes

Moving water keeps pipes from freezing. Find shut off valves for emergencies. Insulate pipes in unheated areas. Open cupboards and vanities to warm pipes.

How do you figure out where your pipes are frozen?

Turn on all faucets: Checking each faucet in your home will help you narrow down your search. The faucets that have little or no water pressure likely have a frozen pipe in their supply line. If every faucet is showing low water pressure, the frozen pipe may be near the water meter.

What is the best way to unfreeze plumbing?

How to unfreeze pipes
  1. Turn on the faucet. Keep it running. ...
  2. Apply heat to the frozen area. Slowly apply heat using a hair dryer. ...
  3. Continue to apply heat. Don't stop heating until the full water pressure is restored. ...
  4. Check all faucets and prevent pipes from freezing in the future.

Will turning up the heat unfreeze pipes?

Turn the Heat Upin the Property: You can attempt to thaw the frozen pipe by increasing the temperature in the property. Turning the thermostat up may be all that is needed to allow the ice blockage to melt.

Why do I suddenly have a water hammer?

If you've never had water hammer and one day you suddenly experience it out of the blue, then it's likely your water system's air chambers are blocked. These chambers often become blocked with water or residue from minerals found in water.

What do I do if my pipes are still frozen after 2 days?

If your pipes have been frozen for more than two days, shut down your home's water supply. Locate the frozen length using touch, sight and sound. Make sure the pipe hasn't burst, and open indoor faucets. Unfreeze the pipe using a hair dryer, heat tape, space heater or heating pad.

How do you insulate pipes behind walls?

Use caulk or foam to seal any holes where the pipes penetrate walls, floors, ceilings, or framing. If pipes run through exterior wall cavities, insulate the wall cavity just as you would the other cavities if using blown cellulose, fiberglass, or spray foam, which will easily fill in the space behind the pipes.

How do you thaw frozen pipes with a hair dryer?

Thawing won't be fast, but it will be safe. Set your hairdryer to high heat and blast away, holding the dryer a few inches from the pipe until your water returns. Pipes conduct heat extremely well, so even if the freeze is behind a wall, you can usually thaw it out.

What not to do when your water pipes freeze?

Don't ever try to thaw pipes with a:
  1. Blowtorch.
  2. Gas heater.
  3. Kerosene heater.
  4. Propane heater.
  5. Other open flame appliances.
  6. Any device near insulation.
  7. Electric device with extension cord.
  8. Electric heater, blow dryer, or other device near water.

Should I just turn off water to the house if it's going to freeze?

DURING freezing weather:

If you plan to be away from home for several days, shutting off the water can reduce the chances of broken pipes. Set your home heat to at least 55 degrees. Shut off water to the house and open all faucets to drain pipes; flush the toilet once to drain the tank, but not the bowl.

Will pipes always burst if frozen?

While subfreezing temperatures pose serious dangers for your pipes, not every frozen pipe will burst. However, older pipes, exposed pipes, and uninsulated pipes are much more likely to burst during extended cold spells.

Should I turn off water if pipes are frozen?

Ask any plumber, "Should I turn off the water if pipes are frozen?" and they'll immediately tell you, "Yes." Locate your main water line and switch the shut-off valve so the flow of water stops. By doing this, you'll reduce the amount of pressure that builds inside your frozen pipes.

How do you unfreeze pipes without bursting them?

Manually thaw: Begin the thawing process at the most vulnerable places (near faucets). By targeting these areas first, your pipes will be less likely to burst. To do so, gently apply heat to the frozen areas. A blow dryer is a good option (use caution, go slowly, and don't use an open flame).

How much does it cost for a plumber to unfreeze pipes?

As long as your frozen pipes haven't burst, a plumber will likely charge a flat fee of around $100 to thaw them out. However, the cost to repair burst pipes tends to be much higher and will ultimately depend on the extent of the damage. Expect to pay $500 on average, which includes the diagnosis and the repair itself.

Should you leave faucets open when water is turned off?

Pipes: Turn off water supply to the house and drain pipes to protect them from freezing. You can empty pipes by running the water and flushing the toilets after the water has been turned off. After draining the pipes, it is a good idea to leave the faucets open to prevent pressure build up from any water that remains.

How to find where pipes are frozen?

Start by turning on each faucet in your home. Little to no water pressure is a strong indicator of a frozen pipe. If the water in one or two faucets runs slowly, your frozen pipe is most likely near those faucets.

Previous article
Can you cut mold off potatoes?
Next article
How do you get brown burn marks off glass?