Plumbing Guide

Frozen Pipe? Safe Steps to Reduce Damage

Little or no water flow during freezing weather can be a sign of a frozen pipe. Use gentle heat only on accessible piping and never use an open flame.

General homeowner guidance•Updated Sep 3, 2026

Exposed residential pipes in an under-sink cabinet for a frozen-pipe prevention and response guide

Plumbing

Overview

Pipes are more likely to freeze in unheated or poorly insulated spaces, exterior walls, crawl spaces, garages, and cabinets against outside walls. A frozen pipe may split before or during thawing, so watch closely for leaks and know where the main water shutoff is.

Start here

What You Can Check

These are basic observations or simple checks. If anything feels unsafe or uncertain, stop and seek appropriate professional help.

Check whether the problem affects one fixture or several fixtures during freezing weather.
If an accessible pipe is suspected to be frozen, keep the affected faucet open slightly while the pipe warms.
Open sink cabinet doors where pipes are against an exterior wall so warmer indoor air can circulate.
Use gentle methods such as warm air from a hair dryer or warm towels only on accessible pipe, keeping electrical equipment away from water.

Pay attention

Warning Signs

A pipe is cracked, bulging, or already leaking.
Water begins flowing from a split as the pipe thaws.
The frozen section is inside a wall, ceiling, crawl space, or another unsafe/inaccessible area.
Any open-flame or high-heat method would be required to reach the pipe.

Next step

When Professional Help May Make Sense

If the pipe cannot be located or thawed safely, or it is damaged or leaking, contact a licensed plumber. Never use a torch or other open flame to thaw a pipe.

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Call for Plumbing Help

If this issue needs professional attention, use the matching Plumbing connection below.

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Be prepared

What to Have Ready Before You Call

Which fixtures have reduced or no flow.
Recent outdoor temperatures and how long the home was cold.
Location of exposed pipes if known.
Whether any cracking, bulging, dripping, or prior freeze damage is visible.

This content provides general homeowner guidance and is not a diagnosis of a specific home problem. For urgent, dangerous, or uncertain situations, contact an appropriate qualified professional or emergency service.