Frozen pipes can cut off your water supply and cause costly damage. Golden Rule gets many frozen pipe calls each winter. If you spot a freeze early and take immediate action, you can often stop a burst pipe and prevent water damage. This guide shows you how to spot frozen pipes, what steps to take, and when to reach out to Golden Rule.

Why do pipes freeze?

Pipes freeze when the water inside drops to 32°F (0°C). When water freezes, it expands. In a closed plumbing system, this can create pressure that might split a pipe or push a fitting apart. Golden Rule often finds that the break isn’t always where the ice forms. Instead, pressure builds behind the ice, causing a weaker section nearby to fail.

Freezing usually happens where cold air hits pipes for long periods.

Golden Rule often finds issues in:

• Exterior walls
• Crawlspaces
• Garages
• Under-sink cabinets on outside walls.

Pipes near rim joists or air leaks are at high risk. Cold air can chill the plumbing faster than the home can heat it.

How to Tell if You Have Frozen Pipes

Reduced water flow is the most obvious sign. You might turn on a faucet and get only a trickle or no water at all. This often occurs first at a fixture located on an exterior wall. Homeowners often notice a sudden drop in pressure. This usually happens in one bathroom or at a kitchen faucet.

You can confirm a freeze by checking exposed pipes. Look for frost on the pipe or feel if it’s colder than normal. A strange smell from a sink or drain can also show trouble. This may happen when ice traps water, disrupting normal drainage. If many fixtures affect the situation, Golden Rule sees this as a sign of a frozen section on a branch line.

What to Do Immediately

Before you call Golden Rule, reduce pressure and limit risk. Turn on the affected faucet and leave it open a bit. A steady trickle eases pressure and lets melting water flow as thawing begins. If both hot and cold lines affect the same fixture, open both to a trickle.

Next, find your home’s main water shutoff valve. Golden Rule suggests knowing its location beforehand. If a pipe has split, shut off the water supply immediately. This helps reduce damage in a short time. While you check, look for leaks under sinks, around plumbing, and in the basement or crawl space. Also, check the ceilings under bathrooms and kitchens.

Then, raise your indoor temperature a few degrees and keep it steady. Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air reach the plumbing. Check if the suspected freeze is in a garage, crawl space, or basement that is safe to enter. Ensure cold air isn’t coming in from an open vent or a damaged door seal.

How to Thaw a Frozen Pipe Without Risk

Golden Rule recommends controlled, gradual heat. The safest method is a hair dryer. Aim warm air at the pipe, starting near the faucet and moving toward the frozen section. This helps melted ice and water flow out, preventing refreezing.

Other safe options include:

• Wrapping a heating pad around the pipe.
• Using warm towels soaked in hot water around frozen areas is helpful.

A space heater can help in open areas, but exercise caution when using it. Keep it away from flammable items and never leave it unattended.

Avoid open flames. Golden Rule does not recommend torches or propane heaters for thawing pipes. These methods can cause fires and damage pipes. Also, avoid high heat on plastic piping like PVC or PEX, as it can warp or fail.

As you thaw, keep the faucet open to a trickle and watch for changes in flow. Allow water to flow in a continuous manner. Run it for a short time to clear slush and stabilize the temperature.

What to Do After the Pipe Thaws

Once flow returns, Golden Rule recommends inspecting the pipe. Check any exposed parts for moisture, drips, or small water beads. Look around valves and fittings, which can fail under pressure. Pay attention to nearby drywall, flooring, or insulation for dampness.

If you hear water running when all fixtures are off, that could show a hidden leak. In this case, shut off the main water valve and call Golden Rule. A small crack can grow quickly, leading to damage before you notice.

When to Call Golden Rule

If the frozen section is inside a wall or ceiling, calling Golden Rule is usually safest. Thawing in closed areas can harm building materials and create electrical hazards. If you can’t find the frozen area or if many fixtures affect you, reach out to Golden Rule. Also, call if you notice bulging pipes, cracks, or leaks.

Golden Rule recommends calling if the same area experiences repeated freezing. Recurring freezes often signal poor insulation or plumbing problems. These issues need long-term solutions.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Golden Rule’s prevention advice is simple. Keep the thermostat steady during cold snaps, even at night. Big temperature drops increase the risk of freezing. Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and utility areas. Seal cold air leaks where pipes enter your home.

In extreme cold, open under-sink cabinets on exterior walls to warm the pipes. Letting a faucet drip can also help keep water moving. Yet this should not replace proper insulation and air sealing.

For outdoor plumbing, disconnect hoses and drain exterior spigots. If your home has an interior shutoff for hose bibs, turn it off and drain the line before winter deepens.

FAQ

What should I do first when I suspect a frozen pipe?

Golden Rule suggests opening the affected faucet to a small trickle. Then, find your main water shutoff valve. This helps reduce pressure and allows you to act without delay if a leak occurs.

Can frozen pipes burst even before they thaw?

Yes. Golden Rule often sees that freezing can crack a pipe while it’s still frozen. The leak becomes clear when the ice melts and water starts to flow.

What’s the safest way to thaw a frozen pipe at home?

A hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels is usually the safest options. They provide controlled heat. Golden Rule says not to use open flames. It also advises paying close attention during the thawing process.

How do I know if the frozen section is inside a wall?

If the fixture is on an exterior wall and you can’t find a cold or frosted pipe, the frozen part might be inside the wall. Golden Rule can locate in-wall freezes and thaw them without risk.

Will dripping faucets prevent pipes from freezing?

Yes, dripping keeps water flowing and relieves pressure. Golden Rule highlights that insulation and air sealing are key for lasting prevention.

Key Takeaway

Frozen pipes often occur in cold, drafty areas. These include exterior walls, crawl spaces, and garages.

If you suspect a freeze, do the following:

• Open the faucet to allow a small stream of water.
• Warm the pipe using low heat for safety.
• Check for leaks when the water starts flowing again.

Avoid open flames and don’t ignore signs. If the freeze is in a wall, affects several fixtures, or leaks, call Golden Rule. They will provide a safe diagnosis and repair.