What do I do if my pipes freeze?

Concerns & risks

It's freezing outside, you turn on the tap and only a trickle comes out.

Frozen pipes can split and flood when they thaw.

Causes & evidence

Water expands when it freezes; pipes on outside walls or unheated spaces are most at risk.

What to do

1. Open the faucet so melting water can flow out.
2. Warm the pipe with a hair dryer, heating pad or warm towels, starting near the faucet.
3. Never use an open flame or torch.
4. Can't find or reach the frozen part, or see a crack? Shut the main water and call a plumber.

Common mistakes: Never thaw pipes with an open flame. Use gentle heat like a hair dryer. Keep the faucet open while thawing. If a pipe has burst, shut off the main water first. Prevention is easiest: on very cold nights, let a faucet drip, open sink cabinets on outside walls, and insulate exposed pipes. If you're leaving home in winter, keep the heat on at a safe level.

Speed Man tip: Prevent it next time: open cabinet doors on cold nights and let a tap drip.

Wrap-up: Open the tap and warm the pipe gently. No open flames ever. Cracks or unreachable pipes: shut the main, call a plumber.

Want the why behind it? Read Household Water Leaks and the Water Meter Test in the wiki.