Picture this: It’s a frosty Sunday morning in North Central New Jersey. You grab your plush robe and fuzzy slippers and head to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. You turn on the kitchen faucet and…nothing. That’s odd. You try the hot water and still nothing. And then it hits you. With the previous nights frigid temps, you have a frozen plumbing pipe. Now what?
During the winter months, a frozen pipe can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Here’s what to do if you find yourself in this situation.
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
The very first step when you suspect a frozen pipe is to turn off the main water supply to your home. If a pipe has already burst or is leaking, this will prevent water from flowing into the system and causing more damage. The main shut-off valve is usually located near your water meter, either in the basement, crawl space, or outside near the foundation of the house. Once the water is shut off, you can begin to assess and thaw the pipe safely.
2. Locate the Frozen Pipe
To effectively thaw the frozen pipe, you’ll need to identify its location. Start by checking the areas in your home most likely to have frozen pipes. These include unheated spaces like basements, attics, garages, crawl spaces, or along exterior walls. If you notice any signs of frost or ice buildup on pipes or if the water flow is reduced or completely stopped in certain areas, you’ve likely found the frozen pipe.
3. Thaw the Pipe Carefully
Once you’ve located the frozen pipe, it’s time to begin thawing it. Never use an open flame as this can be dangerous and may damage the pipe. Instead, use safer methods like:
- Hair Dryer: Use a hair dryer to gently warm the frozen section of the pipe. Start at the faucet end of the pipe and work your way toward the frozen section.
- Space Heater: A portable space heater can be placed in the affected area, but be sure to keep it at a safe distance from any flammable materials.
- Heating Pad: Wrap the pipe with an electric heating pad for a slow and steady thaw.
If the frozen pipe is in an area that’s difficult to reach, like behind a wall, call a plumber for assistance.
4. Check for Leaks
After thawing the pipe, it’s essential to check for any signs of damage. Look for visible cracks, bulges, or leaks along the pipe. Even a small crack can cause significant water damage once the water begins to flow again. If you notice any leaks, call a plumber immediately.
5. Restore Water Flow Slowly
Once the pipe is thawed and there’s no visible damage, you can turn the main water supply back on. Do so slowly and carefully, as a sudden rush of water can cause a weakened pipe to burst. Keep a close eye on the thawed area for the next several hours to ensure that no leaks develop.
If you suspect a pipe has frozen and you can’t locate it or are not comfortable taking the DIY route, contact Anthony’s Plumbing right away. We’re available 24/7 for all your plumbing emergencies.
