Waking up to no water—or worse, a burst pipe—on a frigid winter morning is every homeowner’s nightmare. If you’re wondering, “Do you call a plumber for frozen pipes?”, you’re not alone. Thousands of U.S. households face this issue each winter, often unsure whether to DIY or dial a pro. The good news? With the right knowledge, you can act fast, prevent major damage, and know exactly when professional help is non-negotiable.
When Should You Call a Plumber for Frozen Pipes?
Yes—you should call a plumber if you suspect your pipes are frozen and you can’t safely thaw them yourself.
According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), burst pipes cause over $1 billion in damage annually in the U.S., with most incidents occurring when temperatures drop below 20°F. If water has stopped flowing completely from a faucet, or you see frost on a pipe, time is critical.
Call a licensed plumber immediately if:
- You can’t locate the frozen section
- The pipe is behind a wall or under flooring
- You notice bulging, cracking, or moisture (signs of imminent bursting)
- You’ve tried safe thawing methods and water still isn’t flowing
“A frozen pipe isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a ticking time bomb,” says Mark Dawson, Chief Operating Officer at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. “Even a small crack can leak 250 gallons of water in a day.”
Can You Thaw Frozen Pipes Yourself? A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re confident the frozen pipe is accessible and hasn’t cracked, you may safely thaw it yourself—but only with the right technique. Never use open flames (like a blowtorch) or excessive heat, as this can melt pipes or start a fire.
Follow these steps carefully:
- Turn on the faucet. This allows steam and water to escape as ice melts, reducing pressure.
- Locate the frozen section. Usually near exterior walls, in basements, attics, or crawl spaces. Look for frost, bulging, or no water flow.
- Apply gentle, indirect heat:
- Use a hair dryer (keep it moving)
- Wrap with electric heat tape (UL-listed)
- Place a space heater nearby (never directly on the pipe)
- Pour warm—not boiling—water over towels wrapped around the pipe
- Monitor for leaks. As ice melts, check for cracks. If water appears, shut off the main valve and call a plumber immediately.
- Restore heat slowly. Avoid sudden temperature changes—thawing too fast can stress metal or PVC.
⚠️ Safety Tip: Never use kerosene heaters, propane torches, or boiling water. These methods cause more plumbing disasters than they solve.
What Happens If You Ignore Frozen Pipes?
Ignoring a frozen pipe is like ignoring a smoke alarm. The real danger isn’t the ice—it’s the pressure buildup behind it.
As water freezes, it expands. If trapped between two closed valves or a faucet and a blockage, pressure can exceed 40,000 psi—enough to rupture copper, PEX, or PVC pipes. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that even a 1/8-inch crack can gush 250 gallons of water per day, leading to mold, structural damage, and insurance claims.
A real-world example: In January 2024, a Chicago family returned from vacation to find $38,000 in water damage—all from one frozen pipe in an uninsulated garage wall. Their insurer denied part of the claim because they hadn’t taken “reasonable preventive steps.”
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter
Prevention is far cheaper than repair. The American Red Cross and EPA’s WaterSense program recommend these proven strategies:
✅ Insulate pipes in unheated areas with foam sleeves (R-3 or higher).
✅ Seal cracks near pipes with caulk or spray foam—cold air accelerates freezing.
✅ Keep cabinet doors open under sinks during cold snaps to allow warm air circulation.
✅ Let faucets drip at 5–10 drops per minute when temps fall below 20°F.
✅ Set thermostat no lower than 55°F if you’re away.
💡 Pro Tip: Install a smart water shutoff valve (like Flo by Moen). These detect abnormal flow or freezing conditions and auto-shut off your main supply—potentially saving thousands.
For more on pipe materials and freezing risks, see Pipe freezing on Wikipedia.
DIY vs. Professional Help: What’s Best?
| Situation | DIY Safe? | Call a Plumber? |
|---|---|---|
| Pipe visible, accessible, no leaks | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not urgent |
| Pipe inside wall or ceiling | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Water leaking or spraying | ❌ Never | ✅ Emergency |
| No water in one fixture only | ✅ Try thawing | If no success in 1 hour |
| Whole-house loss of water | ❌ Unlikely | ✅ Likely main line |
Bottom line: If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution. A $150 service call beats a $10,000 water restoration bill.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Frozen Pipes?
- Thawing service (no damage): $100–$200
- Pipe repair (small leak): $200–$500
- Wall/ceiling repair + plumbing: $1,000–$5,000+
- Emergency after-hours call: +50–100% surcharge
Many plumbers offer freezing prevention inspections in fall—worth every penny.
FAQ Section
Q1: Do frozen pipes always burst?
A: No—but they’re at high risk. Bursting usually happens during thawing, when water pressure builds behind the ice blockage. That’s why slow, controlled thawing is critical.
Q2: How long does it take for pipes to freeze?
A: In unheated spaces, pipes can freeze in as little as 6 hours when temps stay below 20°F. Insulated pipes may take 24+ hours.
Q3: Can I use a space heater to thaw pipes?
A: Only if placed at least 3 feet away and never left unattended. Direct heat can warp or melt pipes—especially PVC.
Q4: What temperature should I keep my house to prevent freezing?
A: Maintain at least 55°F indoors, even when away. In extreme cold, 60–65°F is safer.
Q5: Will my homeowner’s insurance cover burst pipes?
A: Most policies cover sudden, accidental water damage—but not if you neglected winterization (e.g., left heat off for weeks). Document preventive steps!
Q6: Do you call a plumber for frozen pipes if you rent?
A: Yes—but notify your landlord first. Tenants should never attempt major plumbing fixes. Landlords are typically responsible for pipe repairs and prevention.
Conclusion
So, do you call a plumber for frozen pipes? If there’s any sign of damage, inaccessibility, or uncertainty—absolutely yes. Acting fast protects your home, wallet, and peace of mind. For minor, visible freezes, safe DIY thawing can work—but know your limits.
Most importantly: don’t wait for disaster. Winterize now, monitor temps, and keep your plumber’s number handy.
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Stay warm, stay dry, and never underestimate the power of a little prevention.
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