Can I Call a Plumber If My Pipes Are Frozen?

Waking up to no water—or worse, a burst pipe—on a freezing winter morning is every homeowner’s nightmare. If you’re asking, “Can I call a plumber if my pipes are frozen?”, the short answer is yes—and you probably should. Frozen pipes are more than just an inconvenience; they can lead to costly water damage, mold, and structural issues if not handled correctly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through when to act yourself, when to call a licensed plumber, and how to prevent this stressful situation next winter.

What Happens When Pipes Freeze?

When temperatures drop below 20°F (–6°C), water inside unheated pipes can freeze—especially in attics, basements, garages, or exterior walls. As water freezes, it expands, increasing pressure inside the pipe. This pressure can rupture the pipe, even before the ice thaws.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, frozen pipe claims average $15,000+ per incident—and that’s before mold remediation or structural repairs.

“Most pipe bursts don’t happen while the water is frozen—they occur during the thawing process, when water pressure builds behind the ice blockage,” says Bill Stevens, a master plumber with over 25 years of experience in Minnesota.

While not all frozen pipes burst, the risk is real—and rising as extreme winter weather becomes more common due to climate variability.

Can I Call a Plumber If My Pipes Are Frozen? (Yes—And Here’s Why)

Absolutely. Calling a licensed plumber is not just acceptable—it’s often the smartest move, especially if:

• You can’t locate the frozen section
• You suspect a pipe has already cracked or burst
• You’re uncomfortable using heat sources near pipes (risk of fire or scalding)
• The frozen pipe is behind a wall or in a hard-to-reach area

Professional plumbers have infrared cameras, pipe-thawing machines, and years of experience to safely and efficiently restore flow without causing collateral damage.

💡 Pro Tip: Many plumbing companies offer 24/7 emergency services during winter storms. Don’t wait until Monday if you’re dealing with a potential burst pipe on a Friday night.

When Should You Try DIY Thawing First?

If you’re confident, safe, and the pipe is exposed and accessible, you can try thawing it yourself—but only if there’s no visible damage.

Never attempt DIY if:

• You see cracks, bulges, or moisture around the pipe
• The pipe is plastic (PVC or PEX)—these are more prone to hidden fractures
• You smell gas (could indicate a cracked gas line near plumbing)

✅ Safe DIY Thawing Steps (for copper or galvanized metal pipes only):

1. Turn on the faucet – This relieves pressure and lets water drip as ice melts.
2. Apply heat gradually:
   • Use a hair dryer (keep 6–12 inches away)
   • Wrap with hot towels (soaked in 120–130°F water)
   • Use a heat lamp or space heater (never open flame!)
3. Work from faucet toward the coldest section—this pushes melted water out and reduces pressure.
4. Monitor for leaks as the pipe thaws. If water appears, shut off the main valve immediately and call a plumber.

⚠️ Never use a torch, boiling water, or kerosene heater—these can ignite insulation or melt pipes.

How Plumbers Handle Frozen Pipes (Step by Step)

When you call a professional, here’s what typically happens:

1. Assessment: The plumber inspects for visible damage and uses thermal imaging to locate ice blockages.
2. Water Shutoff: If there’s risk of a burst, they’ll isolate or shut off the main water supply.
3. Controlled Thawing: They use electric pipe thawing machines that send low-voltage current through the pipe—melting ice in minutes without overheating.
4. Pressure Test: After thawing, they test the pipe for microfractures using air or water pressure.
5. Insulation & Prevention Advice: They’ll recommend pipe insulation, heat tape, or re-routing vulnerable lines.

Many plumbers also check your home’s heat distribution—a poorly insulated crawlspace or drafty cabinet may be the root cause.

DIY vs. Professional: Key Differences

Bottom line: If you’re unsure, spend the $200 to protect your $200,000 home.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter

Prevention beats emergency calls. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends these steps:

• Keep thermostat ≥ 55°F when away
• Open cabinet doors under sinks (allows warm air in)
• Insulate pipes in unheated areas with foam sleeves (R-3 or higher)
• Seal cracks near pipes with caulk or spray foam
• Let faucets drip (5–10 drops/minute) during deep freezes

For more on home weatherization, see the U.S. DOE’s guide on pipe freezing.

FAQ: Frozen Pipes & Plumbing Emergencies

Q1: How long does it take for pipes to freeze?
A: At 20°F, uninsulated pipes can freeze in as little as 6 hours—especially if exposed to wind or in unheated spaces.

Q2: Will homeowners insurance cover frozen pipe damage?
A: Usually yes—if you’ve maintained “reasonable care” (e.g., kept heat on). But prevention neglect (like turning off heat while away) may void coverage. Check your policy.

Q3: Can I still use other faucets if one pipe is frozen?
A: Yes, if the frozen pipe is isolated (e.g., only the kitchen sink). But avoid using hot water elsewhere, as it may increase pressure on the blocked line.

Q4: What temperature do pipes unfreeze at?
A: Thawing begins at 32°F (0°C), but full flow may take hours. Use external heat to speed it up—don’t rely on ambient warmth alone.

Q5: Are PEX pipes freeze-proof?
A: No. While PEX is more flexible and less likely to burst than copper, it can still crack under extreme pressure. Always insulate it in cold zones.

Q6: How do I know if a pipe has already burst?
A: Signs include:

• Water pooling under cabinets
• Dripping sounds behind walls
• Sudden drop in water pressure
• Musty odors (from hidden moisture)
  If you suspect a burst, shut off main water and call a plumber immediately.

Conclusion

So, can I call a plumber if my pipes are frozen? Without a doubt—yes. In fact, doing so could save you thousands in water damage and give you peace of mind during a stressful situation. While minor, accessible freezes might be DIY-able, the risks often outweigh the savings.

Don’t gamble with your home’s plumbing. A licensed plumber brings expertise, specialized tools, and rapid response that DIY simply can’t match.

❄️ Stay warm, stay safe—and share this guide with friends in cold climates!
👉 Found this helpful? Share it on Facebook or Pinterest to help others avoid a winter plumbing disaster.

Remember: When in doubt, call a pro. Your pipes—and your wallet—will thank you.