Frozen pipe repair
If a faucet runs a trickle or nothing in freezing weather, open it, and warm the suspected section gently with a hair dryer or space heater, never an open flame. Keep the main shutoff within reach: a split pipe often starts leaking only when the ice thaws.
Pipes in crawl spaces, exterior walls, garages and attics freeze first. Ice expands, raises pressure between the ice and a closed faucet, and splits the pipe, often far from where the ice formed.
The danger is the thaw. Water pressure returns and a crack that held while frozen starts spraying.
Signs you need frozen pipe repair
- No water or a trickle at one or more faucets in a freeze
- Frost on exposed pipe
- Bulging pipe
- Water appearing after temperatures rise
How frozen pipe repair is done
- 1
Thaw safely
Open the faucet and warm the pipe from the faucet back toward the frozen section.
- 2
Watch the thaw
Be ready to close the main if a leak appears.
- 3
Repair and protect
Replace split sections and insulate or reroute vulnerable runs.
What affects the cost of frozen pipe repair
- Access to the frozen section
- Whether the pipe split
- Insulation or rerouting to prevent repeats
Ask for the trip fee and the total price before work starts.
Frozen pipe repair: what you can do yourself
Safe to try
- • Open the affected faucet
- • Use a hair dryer or space heater with care
- • Open cabinet doors on exterior walls
Stop and call if
- • You can't find or reach the frozen section
- • The pipe has split
- • You'd need an open flame
Need frozen pipe repair? Call now
SteadWell is a free referral service, not a plumbing company. Calling (833) 753-0180 connects you with an independent, licensed plumber who serves your ZIP code; the plumber quotes and performs the work. Calls may be recorded.
Frozen pipe repair: common questions
How long can a pipe stay frozen before it bursts?
There's no fixed time; it depends on the pipe and how cold it is. Thaw it as soon as you notice.
Should I let faucets drip in a freeze?
Yes, on the coldest nights, a faucet on an exterior wall dripping keeps water moving and relieves pressure.
What if I can't find the frozen spot?
Call a plumber. Searching blindly in walls or crawl spaces wastes time, and heat applied in the wrong place doesn't help.