What to Do If Pipes Freeze: How to Thaw, Prevent Damage & Avoid Bursting

Frozen pipes are one of the most stressful winter emergencies homeowners face. Whether you live in a cold climate or a place that rarely freezes, dropping temperatures can quickly cause plumbing lines to ice over, leaving you with no water, blocked drains, or the risk of expensive pipe bursts. If you’re wondering what to do if pipes freeze, what to do if your pipes freeze, or what NOT to do when water pipes freeze, this comprehensive guide covers every scenario, including apartments, RVs, crawl spaces, underground lines, and even hot water and toilet pipes. This article is designed to help you act fast, stay safe, and prevent costly damage.

How to Know if Your Pipes Are Frozen

Before you start thawing, confirm that freezing is actually the issue. Common signs include:

• Little to no water coming from faucets

• Frost visible on exposed pipes

• Strange smells coming from drains

• Gurgling sounds when faucets turn on

• Toilets that won’t refill

• Cold spots on walls or floors near pipe runs

If multiple fixtures have problems, the freeze may be at your main line.

What to Do Immediately if Pipes Freeze 

This is the fastest, safest way to handle frozen pipes without causing damage.

Turn On the Faucet (Cold Side Only)

Let cold water trickle out, even if it’s just a drip. Why it matters: Running water relieves pressure in the pipe and can prevent it from bursting as ice thaws.

Locate the Frozen Section

Check areas most prone to freezing:

• Exterior walls

• Basements

• Crawl spaces

• Attics

• Under kitchen or bathroom sinks

• Mobile home undercarriages

• Near drafty windows

• Unheated utility rooms

If you can’t find the frozen pipe, go straight to calling a plumber to avoid hidden damage.

Apply Gentle, Direct Heat

Use safe heat sources only:

• Hair dryer

• Heating pad

• Warm towels

• Space heater (supervised)

• Portable radiator

Move slowly along the pipe from faucet → frozen area.

This allows melted water to escape and reduces pressure. Learn preventive steps in What To Do If Pipes Freeze and What Temperature Do Pipes Freeze.

Never Use Open Flame

Do NOT use:

• Blow torches

• Propane heaters

• Charcoal grills

• Lighters

• Ovens

These can cause:

• Fire

• Burns

• Explosions

• Pipe damage

• Carbon monoxide poisoning

This is one of the most important “what NOT to do if pipes freeze” warnings.

Keep Heating Until Water Flows Normally

This may take minutes or hours, depending on how deep the freeze is.

After water starts running:

• Leave it trickling for several hours

• Check for leaks

• Feel pipes to ensure they’re fully thawed

Check for Leaks Immediately After Thawing

Once water begins flowing again, frozen pipes may reveal cracks or bursts.

Look for:

• Dripping

• Wet drywall

• Ceiling spots

• Water around baseboards

• Unexpected puddles

If you find damage → shut off the main water supply immediately.

What to Do If Pipes Freeze and Burst

Burst pipes can release gallons per minute and must be handled instantly.

Shut Off Your Main Water Valve

Usually found:

• In the basement

• Near the water heater

• In a utility closet

• Outside near the meter

Turn Off Power If Water Is Near Outlets

Safety first.

Call an Emergency Plumber

Do not wait, burst pipes escalate quickly.

Document Damage for Insurance

Take photos and videos before cleanup.

What to Do If There’s No Water but No Burst Yet

If pipes freeze and no water flows:

• Keep faucets open

• Apply heat to accessible pipes

• Open cabinet doors

• Increase your home’s heat

• Turn on space heaters in cold rooms

• Close drafts

If nothing improves within 1–2 hours → call a plumber.

What to Do if Pipes Freeze in Specific Situations

Below are solutions tailored to each common situation.

What to Do if Pipes Freeze in Your Home

Follow the main steps, plus:

• Open all interior doors to improve airflow

• Check under sinks

• Increase thermostat to 70–75°F

• Seal drafts with towels or insulation

What to Do if Pipes Freeze in an Apartment

Apartments freeze differently.

Steps for renters:

• Contact your landlord immediately

• Do not attempt unapproved repairs

• Use safe heat sources only

• Check if other units are affected

• Request maintenance to inspect behind walls

Landlords are typically responsible for plumbing repairs.

What to Do if Pipes Freeze in a Trailer, RV, Camper, or Mobile Home

These structures freeze significantly faster.

Do this immediately:

• Use heated pipe tape

• Turn on furnace + underbelly heat

• Insulate the water pump

• Keep the grey and black tank valves closed

• Add RV antifreeze to drains

• Use skirting to block wind

If your PEX pipes freeze, gently thaw with a hair dryer, PEX is more flexible and less likely to burst.

What to Do If Pipes Freeze in a Crawl Space

These areas are difficult because access is limited.

Options include:

• Place a space heater near the access point

• Use heat tape on the affected pipe

• Repair insulation before refreezing

• Add vapor barriers to reduce moisture

If your crawl space is extremely tight, call a professional, risk of injury is high.

What to Do If Pipes Freeze in the Wall

This is a hidden freeze, and thawing incorrectly can cause a burst.

Best approach:

• Turn up furnace

• Use infrared heaters aimed at the wall

• Open nearby cabinets

• Cut a small inspection hole if needed

• Call a plumber if unsure

Never apply direct torch heat to drywall.

What to Do If Pipes Freeze Outside or Underground

Exterior and buried pipes freeze last and thaw last.

Outside pipes:

• Use heat tape

• Wrap with insulation

• Use heated hose bib covers

Underground pipes:

These often require:

• Professional thawing equipment

• Electric pipe warmers

• Steam thawing

• Hot water injection

Do not attempt DIY underground thawing with flames or chemicals.

What to Do If Hot Water Pipes Freeze

Hot water lines freeze first because they are smaller.

Fix:

• Turn up water heater to safe max (130–140°F)

• Open hot water tap

• Apply heat along hot water line

• Insulate water heater pipes

What to Do If Cold Water Pipes Freeze

These can be thawed using the standard method:

• Open the cold tap

• Apply steady heat

• Increase ambient temperature

What to Do If Toilet Pipes Freeze

Signs include slow filling or no filling.

Fix:

• Use a hair dryer on the supply line

• Warm the bathroom with space heaters

• Insulate the toilet tank (not with hot water!)

Never pour boiling water into the toilet tank, it can crack it.

What to Do If Drain Pipes Freeze

Drain pipes do not burst from pressure the same way, but they can crack from expansion.

Fix:

• Use a hair dryer at accessible areas

• Pour hot (not boiling) water down the drain

• Use heat tape

• Clear snow and ice from exterior vent stacks

If multiple drains freeze → your main sewer line may be frozen.

What to Do If AC Pipes Freeze

This is a different issue, usually caused by:

• Dirty filters

• Refrigerant leaks

• Poor airflow

Fix:

• Turn off AC

• Turn fan to “ON”

• Replace filters

• Thaw coils before restarting

If pipes freeze repeatedly → call HVAC technician.

What NOT to Do If Pipes Freeze

Avoid these dangerous and damaging mistakes:

•  Don’t use open flames

• Don’t hit pipes to break ice

•  Don’t use boiling water

•  Don’t turn on water heater to unsafe levels

•  Don’t ignore small drips (they can become floods)

•  Don’t thaw too quickly (causes bursts)

Patience is the key to safe thawing.

When to Call a Plumber

Call a professional if:

• You can’t locate the freeze

• Water pressure drops suddenly

• A pipe has visible cracks

• A pipe bursts

• You’ve thawed for 1–2 hours with no success

• You live in an apartment where plumbing is interconnected

• Pipes freeze repeatedly in the same area

Early intervention saves thousands.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes 

Prevention is far cheaper than thawing or repairing.

Top prevention steps:

• Keep your home above 55°F

• Let faucets drip during extreme cold

• Open under-sink cabinets on cold nights

• Insulate exposed pipes

• Seal windows, cracks, and crawl space drafts

• Add pipe heat tape

• Drain outdoor spigots each fall

• Use heated hose bib covers

• Install smart leak detectors

For RVs or mobile homes: add skirting and heated underbelly systems.

What to Do If Pipes Freeze

Here’s the short version:

DO:

• Keep faucets open

• Apply gentle heat

• Locate the frozen section

• Increase indoor temperature

• Check for leaks

• Call a plumber if needed

DON’T:

• Use flames

• Hit pipes

• Ignore lack of water

• Let pipes refreeze after thawing

The quicker you act, the less likely your pipes are to burst.

Final Thoughts

Frozen pipes can feel overwhelming, but with quick action, safe heating, and the right prevention steps, you can protect your home and minimize damage. Whether you’re dealing with frozen pipes in an apartment, trailer, RV, crawl space, kitchen, bathroom, or outside, the key is slow thawing, steady heat, and pressure relief.