Plumbing Emergency Avg. cost: $400
Frozen Pipes: Causes, Fixes & When to Call a Plumber
If a pipe is frozen but hasn't burst, turn on the faucet it feeds and apply gentle heat with a hair dryer or heating pad — never open flame. If you have no water on a cold day, assume frozen pipes. If a pipe has already burst, shut off the main water valve and call a plumber immediately.
Find an Emergency Plumber NowWhat Causes Frozen Pipes?
- Pipes in uninsulated exterior walls, attics, or crawlspaces
- Garage pipes when garage door is left open in winter
- Thermostat set too low in unoccupied homes
- Power outage disabling heating system
- Exposed pipes on exterior walls
How to Fix Frozen Pipes: Step-by-Step
- 1Open the faucet that the pipe feeds to relieve pressure
- 2Apply heat with a hair dryer (starting from the faucet end), heating pad, or space heater
- 3Never use open flame, propane torch, or blowtorch
- 4Wrap exposed pipes with towels soaked in hot water as a temporary measure
- 5Keep cabinet doors under sinks open to allow warm air circulation
When Should You Call a Plumber?
Call a plumber immediately if: you cannot locate the frozen section, the pipe has burst, you smell something unusual, or thawing attempts don't restore water flow within 30 minutes.
How Much Does Frozen Pipes Repair Cost?
Average Cost $400
Typical Range $150 – $2,000
Costs vary by location, severity, and whether emergency service is needed. Prices shown are national averages. Get a free quote from a local plumber →
Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Pipes
- No water or very low pressure from specific faucets during cold weather indicates which line is frozen. Look for frost on exposed pipes or check areas with poor insulation: exterior walls, crawlspaces, attics, and near garage doors.
- Pipes can freeze when exterior temperatures drop to 20°F (-6°C) or lower, especially if the pipe is in an unheated space. Even 32°F is enough if the pipe is in an exposed location with sustained cold.
- Insulate pipes in unheated areas, keep your thermostat at 55°F minimum when away, let faucets drip during extreme cold, open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls, and seal gaps where cold air enters near pipes.