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Frozen Pipes: What to Do Right Now

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

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Step 1: Confirm it's frozen

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe (Red Cross). Check more than one faucet. The Red Cross also says that if one pipe freezes, others may freeze too, so check every faucet in the house.

Step 2: Find the main shut-off valve

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension warns that a frozen pipe may already be broken and will leak when the water thaws. Know where the main water valve is. If a pipe cracked, turn the main valve off until it is repaired. Illinois Extension says to know how to shut off your water before a burst happens, because stopping the flow can limit damage.

Step 3: Open the faucet and find the frozen section

Keep the faucet open. As the frozen area melts, water flows through, and the running water helps melt more ice (Red Cross). Likely spots: pipes on exterior walls, and where the water service enters the house through the foundation. Look in unheated areas too: basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

Step 4: Warm it gently

Use a heat source from the Red Cross list: 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. Keep heating until full water pressure returns. Our thaw guide has the full method and the cautions.

Step 5: Check for leaks

Missouri Extension notes that pipes frozen for several hours may have cracked and can leak after thawing. Look at the pipe, walls and ceiling below it as water comes back. If you find a leak, shut off the main valve and see the burst pipe guide.

Step 6: Call a plumber when

• You can't find the frozen area.
• The frozen area isn't accessible (inside a wall or under a slab).
• You can't get the pipe to thaw.
• The pipe has burst or leaks.

This list comes from the Red Cross. See when to call a plumber. NC State Extension goes further and says to call a plumber to thaw the pipes, since thawing yourself can lead to greater damage and can be a hazard.

Step 7: Keep it from happening again

Once water is flowing, see the prevention checklist.

Common questions

How do I know if my pipe is frozen?

The Red Cross says if you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places are against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation (Red Cross). Missouri Extension suggests checking pipes against exterior walls and where the water service enters the foundation first.

Why do frozen pipes burst?

The Red Cross explains that water expands as it freezes. That puts tremendous pressure on whatever contains it, including metal or plastic pipes, and no matter the strength of the container, expanding water can cause pipes to break.

Can a frozen pipe be fixed without a plumber?

Sometimes. If you can find and reach the frozen section, the Red Cross says to keep the faucet open and apply gentle heat. Call a licensed plumber if you can't find it, can't reach it or can't thaw it.

Should I leave the faucet open?

Yes. The Red Cross says to keep the faucet open while you treat the pipe, because water flowing through the thawing section helps melt more ice.