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Start Here: Frozen Pipe Guides by Problem
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The short answer: If water is only a trickle, open the faucet and warm the pipe gently, never with a flame. If a pipe has burst, shut off the main valve. Otherwise use the groups below to prepare.
Pipes frozen right now
- What to do when pipes freeze
The first steps, from confirming a freeze to calling a plumber - How to thaw frozen pipes
Safe thawing steps, what never to use, when to stop - Hot water pipe frozen
Hot lines can freeze too: what to check and do - Pipes frozen under the house
Close vents, seal, insulate and add heat - Mobile home frozen pipes
Thaw safely, keep skirting on, use heat tape right - Plumber for frozen pipes
When to call, what to do while you wait
Burst pipes
- Burst pipe first steps
Shut-off, safety, photos, cleanup and insurance - Burst pipe repair
Temporary vs permanent repair and insurance records - Do frozen pipes always burst?
Pressure, not ice, breaks pipes; what to do
Before the next freeze
- Will My Pipes Freeze Tonight
Enter tonight's low, where your pipes run, insulation and heat setting to see your freeze risk and what to do before bed. - How to prevent frozen pipes
A checklist for before, during and away from home - How long for pipes to freeze
No source gives hours; here is the 20 degree rule - How to winterize a house
A fall checklist from pipes to the roof - Leaving home in winter
Keep the heat on or drain the pipes - Winterize a sprinkler system
Drain methods, blowout cautions, when to hire a pro - Winterize an RV water system
Drain, bypass the heater, add RV antifreeze - Prevent ice dams
Air sealing, insulation, ventilation and safe snow removal
Products and supplies
- Heat tape and pipe insulation
Pipe sleeves, UL-listed heat cable and faucet covers - Pipe insulation guide
Foam vs fiberglass vs wrap, install steps, outdoor pipes - Pipe Insulation and Heat Cable
Pipe insulation, UL-listed heat cable and faucet covers: a short shopping list for exposed pipes, plus what the Red Cross and extension services say. - Outdoor faucet covers
Cover and drain hose bibs, and what frost-free means - Outdoor faucet leaking after a freeze
Shut it off, find the leak, repair or replace - Winter home emergency kit checklist
Ready.gov checklist, winter extras and a gift angle
Sources
- This page only lists our guides. Each guide ends with the sources it uses.