What to Do When a Pipe Freezes | Brimer Plumbing Blog

When a faucet won’t flow on a cold morning, a frozen pipe is likely—and how you respond matters. First, open the affected faucet slightly. This relieves pressure as the ice melts and gives water somewhere to go, reducing the risk of a burst. Never use an open flame, propane torch, or high-heat device on pipes; the fire risk is real, and uneven heating can crack pipe or fittings. Instead, use a hair dryer, heat lamp, or portable space heater aimed at the suspected frozen section. Work from the faucet toward the cold source, applying heat gradually. If the pipe is behind a wall, warming the room and the wall surface may help, though it can take longer.

Identifying the frozen section isn’t always obvious. Pipes in exterior walls, unheated crawl spaces, garages, and attics freeze first. If one fixture has no flow but others do, the freeze is likely in a branch line serving that fixture. If nothing works, the freeze may be at the main or in a critical section. Once water flows again, check for leaks—a pipe can crack without bursting visibly, and water may not show until pressure builds. If you see moisture, hear dripping, or suspect a crack, shut off the main and call a plumber. In areas like Donner Lake, Soda Springs, and Norden, where temperatures routinely drop well below freezing, having a trusted plumber on speed dial is part of responsible ownership.

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