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How to Thaw Frozen Pipes Safely (No Open Flames)

Updated October 31, 2026 · General information, not plumbing or legal advice

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The short answer: Keep the faucet open, then warm the pipe slowly with a hair dryer, heating pad, space heater kept away from flammables, or hot wet towels. Start at the faucet side and work toward the frozen spot. Never use a torch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove or any open flame. If you can't reach it or can't thaw it, call a licensed plumber.
Safety first. Never thaw a pipe with a torch or any open flame. They are a fire hazard and can release deadly carbon monoxide. Keep electrical cords away from water, and stay out of rooms where water is near outlets, panels or appliances.

What you need

Steps (Red Cross, with extension cautions)

  1. Open the faucet. Water will start flowing as the area melts, and moving water helps melt the rest of the ice.
  2. Locate the frozen section. Check pipes against exterior walls and where the water service enters through the foundation first (Red Cross, Missouri Extension).
  3. Apply gentle heat. Use a hair dryer, an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, a space heater kept away from flammable materials, or towels soaked in hot water.
  4. Work toward the frozen area from the open faucet. NC State Extension says this lets steam escape rather than get trapped by ice.
  5. Keep heating until full water pressure returns.
  6. Check every other faucet. If one pipe froze, others may too.
  7. Look for leaks. Pipes frozen for several hours may have cracked and can leak after thawing (Missouri Extension). Be ready to close the main valve.

What not to do

Don'tWhy (source)
Use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove or any open flameSerious fire hazard, and they release lethal carbon monoxide (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Red Cross).
Use a blowtorch to speed things upIt can make the water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to explode (Missouri Extension).
Let electrical cords touch waterTexas A&M AgriLife Extension says to make sure cords do not come into contact with water.
Use ungrounded electrical appliances near grounded water pipesNC State Extension warns of electric shock risk in and around water.
Start a debris fire to warm pipesNC State Extension says never to do this.

Sources: Red Cross, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Missouri Extension, NC State Extension.

When to stop and call a plumber

The Red Cross says to call a licensed plumber if you can't locate the frozen area, if it isn't accessible, or if you can't get the pipe to thaw. NC State Extension takes the cautious view that thawing yourself can lead to greater damage and can be a hazard, and suggests calling a plumber to thaw pipes. Progressive says not to attempt to repair a burst pipe yourself, and to leave the home if water damage is extensive or electrical systems are at risk.

Can't find it, can't reach it or can't thaw it?

The Red Cross says to call a licensed plumber if you can't locate the frozen area, can't reach it, or can't thaw the pipe. Burst pipes also need a plumber.

When to call a plumberFind a licensed plumber near you

After the thaw: protect that pipe

Pipe sleeves and UL-listed heat cable are the products Red Cross and extension services point to for exposed pipes. Read the label and follow the maker's instructions.

How to choose and use themSee pipe insulation and faucet coversSee UL-listed heat cable

Common questions

What is the safest way to thaw a frozen pipe?

Keep the faucet open and apply gentle heat: an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater kept away from flammable materials, or towels soaked in hot water (Red Cross).

Can I use a torch or propane heater to thaw a pipe?

No. The Red Cross says not to use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove or other open flame device. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension says they present a serious fire hazard and release lethal carbon monoxide fumes. Missouri Extension adds that a blowtorch can make the water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to explode.

Where do I start heating the pipe?

NC State Extension says to always work from the open faucet toward the frozen area. This lets steam escape rather than get trapped by ice and burst the pipe.

How do I know the pipe is thawed?

The Red Cross says to apply heat until full water pressure is restored. Then check all other faucets, because if one pipe freezes, others may freeze too.

Sources
  1. American Red Cross: Preventing & Thawing Frozen Pipes
  2. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Winter Storms: Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes
  3. University of Missouri Extension: Frozen pipes create big problems during cold weather
  4. NC State Extension: Preventing Frozen Pipes
  5. Progressive: What to do when pipes burst