Frozen Pipe Thawing

When temperatures drop below freezing, water inside exposed pipes freezes, expands, and creates enormous pressure — up to 40,000 PSI. That pressure splits the pipe, and when the ice thaws, water pours out of the crack. Frozen pipe thawing stops this cycle by safely melting the ice before the pipe bursts — or repairing the pipe after it has already failed.

Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter emergencies in cold climates. The danger is not the freeze itself — it is the thaw. As the ice inside the pipe melts, the pressure that built up during freezing is released, and any crack or split that formed in the pipe wall suddenly becomes a leak. The most dangerous time is when the weather warms up, because that is when frozen pipes fail. That is why professional thawing is a controlled process, not just “apply heat and wait.”

Why Pipes Freeze

Location	Why It Freezes
Exterior wall cavities	Pipes in outside walls are exposed to cold temperatures
Attics and crawlspaces	Unheated spaces with poor insulation
Garages	Unheated or poorly insulated spaces
Outdoor hose bibs	Exposed to outdoor temperatures
Under sinks on exterior walls	Cold air from the exterior wall cools the pipe
Basement rim joists	Cold air enters at the foundation-to-sill plate junction

Signs of a Frozen Pipe

• No water or reduced flow — a faucet that produces a trickle or nothing at all
• Frost on the pipe — visible frost or ice crystals on exposed pipe sections
• Unusual sounds — banging, clanking, or gurgling when you turn on a faucet
• Bulging or cracked sections — visible deformation or splits in the pipe wall
• Damp spots or water — a burst pipe that has already thawed will leak

If you suspect a frozen pipe, check every faucet in the house to identify the affected line. Acting quickly can prevent a burst.

Our Pipe Thawing Process

Step 1 — Assessment

We locate the frozen section using thermal imaging and visual inspection. We check for existing cracks or splits — a pipe that is frozen but has not yet burst requires a different approach than one that has already failed.

Step 2 — Thawing

We use controlled, safe heat sources to thaw the frozen section:

• Heat tape — wraps around the pipe and applies gradual, even heat
• Infrared heaters — direct targeted heat at the frozen area
• Hot air blowers — warm air accelerates thawing without direct contact
• Controlled hot water — applied to exposed pipe sections

We avoid open flames, propane torches, and extreme heat — these can damage pipes, ignite insulation, and create fire hazards.

Step 3 — Pressure Verification

After thawing, we pressure-test the pipe to verify it has not cracked or split. Frozen pipes often develop hairline fractures that do not leak until water pressure is restored.

Step 4 — Repair (if needed)

If the pipe has burst or cracked, we cut out the damaged section and install a new one. We use materials that match or upgrade the existing system.

Step 5 — Insulation and Prevention

After thawing, we insulate exposed pipes with foam insulation or heat tape to prevent refreezing. We also recommend long-term solutions — additional insulation, pipe rerouting, or heat tape installation.

Frozen Pipe Cost Guide

Service Item	Typical Cost Range	What’s Included
Frozen pipe thawing	$250 – $600	Assessment, controlled thawing, pressure test
Pipe repair (per section)	$300 – $1,000	Cut out damaged section, new pipe, fittings
Pipe insulation	$100 – $400	Foam insulation on exposed pipes
Heat tape installation	$150 – $500	Thermostatically controlled heat tape, installation
Water damage restoration	$1,000 – $5,000	Extraction, drying, drywall, flooring repair

Expert tip: Never use a torch or open flame to thaw a frozen pipe. The sudden heat can burst the pipe, ignite nearby insulation, or start a fire. The safe methods — heat tape, infrared, and hot air — apply heat gradually so the ice melts evenly and the pipe is not damaged.

Frozen Pipe Prevention

• Insulate exposed pipes — foam insulation on all pipes in unheated spaces
• Install heat tape — thermostatically controlled heat tape on vulnerable pipes
• Seal air leaks — caulk and insulate around pipe penetrations in exterior walls
• Let faucets drip — running water freezes more slowly than standing water
• Open cabinet doors — allows warm air to reach pipes under sinks on exterior walls
• Maintain heat — keep thermostat at 55°F minimum, even when away
• Disconnect outdoor hoses — prevents freezing at hose bibs

What to Do If a Pipe Freezes While You Wait

While the crew is on the way, take these safe steps:

• Turn off the water supply to the affected line if you can reach the shutoff valve
• Open the affected faucet — a small drip relieves pressure in the line
• Do not use a torch or blowtorch — the fire risk is not worth the risk
• Keep cabinet doors open — allows warm air to reach under-sink pipes
• Do not turn the water back on until a professional has verified the pipe is intact

Frozen Pipe Thawing by State

Frozen pipe emergencies are most common in the northern states and mountain regions where winter temperatures drop below freezing for extended periods. In the Northeast and Midwest, extended cold snaps are the peak season for frozen pipe calls. In the Mountain West, high-altitude locations freeze even during otherwise mild winters. Even southern states experience frozen pipes during rare cold snaps, when homes are less prepared for freezing temperatures. Our local crews are experienced with winter pipe emergencies in their region and respond quickly. Check our locations page for the states and cities we currently serve, and call for frozen pipe thawing near you.

Related Services

• Burst Pipe Repair — emergency repair of burst pipes after freezing
• Water Damage Restoration — complete extraction, drying, and restoration
• Emergency Water Extraction — 24/7 truck-mounted water removal
• Ice Dam Removal — steam-remove ice dams that cause water intrusion
• Plumbing Leak Repair — locate and repair hidden plumbing leaks
• Moisture Mapping — thermal imaging to find hidden water after a burst

Thaw Your Frozen Pipe

Call our team for frozen pipe thawing. We safely thaw the ice, verify the pipe is intact, and repair any damage — documented for your insurance claim if applicable and backed by a written warranty.