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How to prevent or unfreeze frozen pipes: A homeowner's checklist
When the temperatures dip below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, your pipes may be at risk of freezing. Follow these steps for how to prevent and thaw frozen pipes.
Frozen pipes aren’t just an inconvenience — they can burst and cause costly water damage beyond simple pipe repairs. In fact, water damage and freezing made up 25.8% of homeowner's insurance claims in 2022, according to the Insurance Information Institute. This is why protecting your pipes is one of the first steps to winterizing your plumbing.
It's important to unfreeze and protect pipes the right way to ensure you don't cause extra damage. Here's what to do to prevent burst pipes and water damage when temperatures drop.
What causes frozen pipes?
Pipes can freeze when temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, especially if not insulated. According to local service review site Angi, even insulated pipes can freeze once temperatures reach 20 degrees or lower. At that point, freezing typically sets in within six hours, while temperatures between 20 and 32 degrees may take closer to 12 hours to freeze pipes.
Some areas of your home may be more prone to freezing pipes than others. According to the American Red Cross, outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines and sprinkler systems are among the most common trouble spots. Inside, pipes in unheated spaces like basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages or even kitchen and bathroom cabinets are at risk. Pipes that run along the exterior walls of your home, with little or no insulation, are also vulnerable to freezing.
How to prevent frozen pipes
You may be surprised that a small crack in a frozen pipe can leak gallons of water, leading to major structural issues. For example, more than 250 gallons of water daily can leak from just a tiny 1/8-inch crack in a pipe, according to the Maine Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management.
There are seasonal preventative measures you can take to keep your pipes from freezing. Whether you're in a southern region preparing for freezing temperatures or live in an area that experiences cold, snowy weather during the year, preventing burst pipes from freezing temperatures can save you from costly repairs and water damage.
Use this checklist to winterize your home and keep your plumbing safe during freezing temperatures.
Insulate pipes: Add insulation to all exterior and interior pipes near your walls, windows and attic spaces. Pipe insulation is a simple, affordable way to prevent freezing and extend the life of your plumbing.
Maintain indoor heat: Keep your thermostat above 55 degrees Fahrenheit — even when you're away. While this may slightly increase your heating bill, it's far cheaper than repairing water damage from a burst pipe, which costs an average of $500, according to Angi.
Leave faucets running: Turn your indoor faucets on so a small trickle of water flows. This helps keep the water inside your pipes moving, reducing the risk of freezing. Keep in mind that faucets along exterior walls, where insulation may be low, are most vulnerable to freezing.
Disconnect outdoor hoses: Drain and store garden hoses in a shed or garage. Shut off outdoor water valves so the pipes can drain fully, preventing ice buildup. If your home has frost-proof spigots, double-check that they're working correctly.
Open cabinet doors: Let warm air circulate under sinks by keeping cabinet doors open, especially if the pipes run against exterior walls. For extra protection, place a small space heater nearby on frigid nights.
Seal drafts and cracks: Check for air leaks near plumbing in areas of your home like basements, crawl spaces, windows and doors. Seal gaps with caulk and replace the weatherstripping as needed to reduce the amount of cold air seeping into your home.
Locate shut-off valve: It's a good idea to find your main water shut-off valve before an emergency happens. If a pipe bursts, shutting off the water as soon as possible can minimize damage and save you thousands in repairs.
Taking these steps before freezing temperatures hit can help prevent plumbing disasters. A little preparation now can protect your home from major headaches and unexpected repair costs this winter.
How to unfreeze pipes
Before you start thawing frozen pipes, you need to confirm that freezing is the issue. The first sign is usually a weak or nonexistent water flow when you turn on a faucet. If only a small trickle comes out, there’s a good chance a pipe is frozen somewhere along the line. Pipes running along exterior walls or near your home’s foundation are the most likely to freeze since they’re more exposed to cold air. Checking these areas first can help you pinpoint the problem before it leads to a burst pipe.
Here is how to unfreeze pipes in residential homes:
Identify the frozen pipe: A pipe may be frozen if a faucet produces only a trickle of water. Check exposed pipes along exterior walls, in unheated areas like basements or crawl spaces or where the water line enters your home. If multiple faucets have low pressure, the freeze may be farther along the main supply line.
Keep the faucet open: Running water at a slow trickle helps melt ice inside the pipe. As the thawing begins, the flow will increase and should speed up the process.
Use heat safely: You can use an electric heating pad, a hairdryer or a space heater to warm the frozen section — all things you may already have in your home. Wrapping the pipe in towels soaked with warm water may also help. However, you should never use a blowtorch, propane heater or any open flame, as these pose a fire risk. If you're using a space heater, never leave it unattended, as this can also increase the risk of a fire.
Start thawing near the faucet: If you can't access the frozen section of your pipes, try applying heat closest to the faucet first. This can help break up the ice as you work your way toward the frozen clog. This helps melting water escape and reduces pressure buildup inside the pipe. Keep applying heat until the faucet runs normally again. If the water flow is still weak, you may have additional frozen spots that need attention.
Remember that if one pipe is frozen, others in your home may also be at risk. Test your faucets (especially in unheated or low-heat areas) to be sure that water flows properly throughout your home.
Should you call a plumber to unfreeze your pipes?
Calling a plumber to unfreeze your pipes isn’t always necessary, but it depends on the situation. If you can access the frozen section and safely thaw it using things like a hairdryer, space heater or warm towels, you may be able to fix the issue yourself, especially with the help of handy DIY resources online, which can help you diagnose the problem. However, if you're struggling with how to unfreeze pipes — maybe the pipe is completely blocked, located behind a wall or the job requires big fixes that might need a permit — it’s best to call a professional.
While plumbers aren't cheap, a plumber should be able to quickly find the frozen pipes, safely thaw them, and check for any damage that could lead to leaks or bursting.
